End of the line for Yorkshire Jets after missing out on Superleague franchise

YORKSHIRE JETS have been forced to call it a day after controversially missing out on a Netball SuperLeague franchise for the 2016-17 season.
Yorkshire Jets in action during the 2015-16 campaignYorkshire Jets in action during the 2015-16 campaign
Yorkshire Jets in action during the 2015-16 campaign

Bosses have admitted defeat in their campaign to get the decision overturned and announced on Tuesday morning that the organisation will wind up for good in September.

“We have spent the past few weeks assessing the options for the future of Yorkshire Jets following England Netball’s decision not to award us a place in the Netball Superleague,” said Jets chair Mariana Pexton.

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“It has been a difficult period for all involved and we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received through the media and social media. The overwhelming public sentiment has echoed what we feel – sadness, shock and great disappointment at the removal of Yorkshire, a county of five million people, from a place in the country’s premier domestic Netball competition.

Yorkshire Jets' Maria Lutua in action last season. Picture: Chris Midgley.Yorkshire Jets' Maria Lutua in action last season. Picture: Chris Midgley.
Yorkshire Jets' Maria Lutua in action last season. Picture: Chris Midgley.

“As a result of these factors, and despite the hard work, commitment and passion from everyone, Yorkshire Jets is left with no role and no other option but to wind up Yorkshire Jets. Its operations will cease in September 2016.”

England Netball have asked Yorkshire Netball to continue to be responsible for the ‘Performance Pathway’ going forward - basically helping produce players for other teams around the country.

Pam Hoyle, Chair of Yorkshire Netball, explained: “We are still extremely disappointed neither Jets nor Yorkshire will have a franchise in the UK’s leading domestic competition. It is a sad day for the sport in the region.

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“We have been asked by England Netball to continue to run the performance pathway, to ensure Yorkshire’s talented young netballers have the best opportunities to succeed at the highest level, and we will do all we can to fulfil that important role.”

Discussions are currently taking place about a final Jets event and legacy options.

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