Netball ACT in partnership with Suncorp Super Netball franchise, Sunshine Coast Lightning, are thrilled to introduce the Capital Darters who will contest the Deakin University Australian Netball League (ANL) in 2020.
With an opportunity to partner in the 2020 season both organisations are looking forward to the next evolution of their pathway programs. The Capital Darters are the principle team for netball within Canberra providing a pivotal link for local netballers to have a pathway to the highest levels of the game. The team will provide the same key links and opportunities for athletes from the Sunshine Coast region and supports the already identified emerging talent within the Sunshine Coast Lightning Training Partners.
David Marjoribanks, Netball ACT CEO is excited by the opportunity the ANL license provides for the Capital Darters and its athletes in 2020;
“Netball ACT in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Lightning is thrilled to introduce the Capital Darters as the ACT’s flagship netball team. Entering a team in the 2020 Deakin University Australian Netball League is vital in providing Canberra based athletes the opportunity to pursue netball pathways to the elite level.”
“We are looking forward to the Capital Darters on court performances once the competition commences in May and to a strong and productive partnership with the Sunshine Coast Lightning”
“The ANL league is an important competition pathway for our emerging players and aligning with the reinvigorated Capital Darters gives our athletes the best opportunity to show that they are ready to step up to SSN and play finals netball,” said Kylee Byrne, Head Coach for Sunshine Coast Lightning
Byrne goes on to add “Competing for the Darters in the ANL, in addition to Lightning’s existing pathways including USC Thunder, will only benefit our players and fast-track their development.”
“We look forward to working closely with Netball ACT to deliver a competitive program in 2020.”
The Capital Darters will return to the competition in 2020, as a rebranding of the Canberra Darters who competed in the 2008 to 2016 ANL seasons.
This partnership promises an exciting new venture for Netball ACT and the Sunshine Coast Lightning as it provides athlete development throughout the two locations, allowing staff and athletes to build and foster new relationships as the partnership grows.
