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The Australian Netball League could soon feature a team from the Northern Territory with the Martin Government handing Netball NT a $50,000 grant to strengthen their capacity to enter the League and bolster their bid.

 

Sport and Recreation Minister, Kon Vatskalis, today met with Netball NT President, Helen Smith, to discuss the push.

 

“Netball is one of the Territory’s most popular sports with a number of our NTIS athletes going on to compete in the elite southern competitions,” said Mr Vatskalis.

 

“Next year the national competition will change to an Australian and New Zealand Tasman Trophy format leaving a large gap in the development pathway for our young netballers.

 

“The introduction of a new Australian league is indeed the ideal connection between our current NTIS development and the Tasman Trophy, which is why Netball NT should have the capacity to advocate strongly for a Territory based team with the support of the Martin Government.”

 

Netball NT President, Helen Smith, said Netball in the Territory is extremely thankful to the Government for its input into the sport.

 

“The generosity of the Territory Government has enabled Netball NT to progress the sport to a level that can increase participation with the new courts at Marrara, and now the dream of many elite netballers can be fulfilled with this increased funding to allow them to compete in the new National League in 2008,” said Ms Smith.

 

“Sport is a healthy way of life and the NT Government is to be commended for taking the initiative in supporting all sports in the Northern Territory.”

 

The Chief Executive of Netball Australia, Kate Palmer, also acknowledged the Territory Government’s support.

 

"Netball Australia congratulates the NT Government on its vision and support of women's sport,” said Ms Palmer.

 

“It is critical that netballers in the NT have an opportunity to compete nationally and this funding will provide a vital player pathway for NT athletes to aim for the Tasman Trophy or the international stage.

 

"This funding will also provide an opportunity for the NT community to see some of the country's best athletes, coaches and umpires in action at home matches."

 

Media contact: Tiffany Stodart 0401 118 411