Petition launched after Yorkshire Jets' time in top flight is cut short by loss of Superleague licence

Yorkshire has lost its Netball Superleague team after they were overlooked for a licence for the 2017 season, despite the league's expansion from eight to 10 teams.
Yorkshire Jets have been denied a licence for the 2017 Netball Superleague seasonYorkshire Jets have been denied a licence for the 2017 Netball Superleague season
Yorkshire Jets have been denied a licence for the 2017 Netball Superleague season

The contract for the teams enrolled in next season’s competition lasts for four years so unless a team disbands in that time, the Jets are unlikely to re-enter the fray until 2021 at the earliest.

Mariana Pexton, chair of the team, expressed her disappointment at England Netball’s verdict, adding that it was a bitter blow for the region’s flagship side when it comes to developing and retaining world-class talent.

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England Netball cited a lack of “commercial stability’’ and inadequate infrastructure for the decision to turn down the Jets’ application.

Despite their poor season, which saw them win just one of 14 matches, the team has a sizeable following.

A petition started on Change.org entitled “Get netball brought back to Yorkshire” has garnered around 900 signatures, while the hashtag #saveourjets is being used on Twitter to attract attention.

The status of the club is for uncertain, but England Netball have pledged to assist the Jets, stating they will still “aim to support the region’s talented young athletes”.