Netball NSW has proudly announced a new Premier League netball team, South West Mounties Magic, the next step for elite sports within Mounties Group.
In a partnership between the group’s health and wellbeing offering, Mounties Care and Liverpool City Netball Association, the introduction of an additional Premier League netball team will offer a clear pathway for players under 6 through to an elite level.
“It’s not only a win for netball, but more particularly for South West Sydney, with a clear pathway for athletes, coaches and officials to participate in the game at a professional level,” stated Mounties Group CEO Dale Hunt.
“At a time when women’s sport is enjoying the spotlight, it is a tangible response that will provide greater opportunity for athletes, both male and female, in our region – one of the fastest growing in Sydney.
“The opportunities need to keep pace with this growth and this exciting announcement of South West Mounties Magic is evidence of just that,” added Hunt.
With more than 230,000 members, Mounties Group has supported sporting and cultural endeavours in and around the communities in which they operate for decades.
“Our commitment to the members who choose to spend their time and money with us, is one which we take seriously. We are always exploring ways to add real benefit, and this partnership with Liverpool City Netball Association is further reinforcement of this vision and our contribution in improving the lives of our members and the local community,” continued Hunt.
“The Netball NSW Premier League is a flagship high performance competition that has been the breeding ground from which many NSW Swifts and Giants Netball athletes, state coaches and national officials have emerged, and this commitment to the game provides a further foundation on which the state can build.”
The financial funding provided by Mounties Group will ensure the long-term financial stability for the venture, confirming that the expansion into the elite level will not have adverse financial implications on grassroots sport and the local community.
Speaking on behalf of Liverpool City Netball Association, President Rebecca Wakefield said she is excited for South West Mounties Magic to make its mark on the competition.
“We are very excited to be partnering with Mounties Care and bringing Premier League to South West Sydney. This is an incredible opportunity not just for our own Association, but for all of netball within the South West region,” stated Wakefield.
“We can’t wait to share with you all the magical things that are about to happen in netball.”
The addition of South West Mounties Magic will see both the Open and Under 23’s return to a 10-team competition in the 2024 season.
This commitment from Mounties Group comes at a time when many people and organisations are recognising the value and growth potential within professional women’s sports. Off the back of the Matildas’ success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Federal Government has announced that it will be launching a $200m Play Our Way grants program that will allow sporting organisations, LGAs and the not-for-profit sector to improve sporting facilities for women.