A partnership between Netball ACT and Sunshine Coast Lightning could see the Super Netball franchise make the capital their second home in the premier competition.
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The organisations have joined forces and will introduce the Capital Darters to the Australian Netball League, the feeder competition to Super Netball, this year.
The Darters' squad will be comprised of both Canberra and Sunshine Coast based athletes, who will train in their respective locations with combined training camps throughout the season.
The partnership ensures ACT-based athletes have a pathway to Super Netball after the Giants Netball feeder-club, Canberra Giants, was scrapped from the ANL competition.
The Giants have considered the capital as their second home and are undefeated in their four Super Netball matches in Canberra.
The Giants will host the Queensland Firebirds at the AIS Arena on May 30, the final installment of a three-year deal between Netball NSW and the ACT government to host matches in the capital.
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Netball ACT are determined to secure more Super Netball matches in Canberra as their deal with the Giants looks to expire at the end of the year.
Their new partnership with the Sunshine Coast could instead see the two-time premiers host matches in Canberra from 2021.
Netball ACT boss David Majoribanks says the organisation are discussing options with the ACT government and the Lightning for future fixtures, but also welcome the opportunity to remain affiliated with the Giants' Super Netball franchise.
"There's nothing agreed upon at the moment because that's dependent on the Super Netball draws and media commitments as well," Majoribanks said.
"We're talking with [the Sunshine Coast] around working as closely as we can and wherever possible, get the best level of netball available to be played in Canberra.
"We're not sure what 2021 will look like but this arrangement with the Sunshine Coast Lightning is completely separate from anything associated with the Giants.
"We welcome the Giants to play in Canberra, they are playing one game here this year. For us, it's about ensuring we've got the best quality netball available to people in Canberra and we'll continue to support that.
"I've spoken with the government around our wishes to maintain Super Netball content in Canberra as well. That's something we'll continue to talk to them around as to what that looks like in the future."
The Darters are in the process of athlete selection and are yet to secure a coach for the upcoming ANL season.
Their uniform will be pink and yellow, combining the original Canberra Darters and Lightning colours.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
