Northumbria Net Fast5s Place

Team Northumbria’s Netball Superleague stars will compete for their share of a bumper £100,000 prize fund at London’s O2 Arena this autumn.

TeAroha Keenan’s side are the last team to confirm their place in the inaugural British Fast5 All-Stars Championship.

And the Kiwi playcaller can’t wait to compete with the cream of English netball for the £25,000 winner’s cheque.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for the North East’s best netball players to make their mark in what is a fantastic event in front of an arena crowd,” said Keenan.

“It’s an exciting concept and will be great for players and fans alike. We’re thrilled to be lining up alongside so many leading Netball Superleague sides in what will be another positive step forward for the sport in England.”

The British Fast5 All-Stars takes place on September 23 with TN joined by Mavericks, Loughborough Lightning, Manchester Thunder, Severn Stars, Surrey Storm, Team Bath and Wasps.

Introducing exciting new innovations such as a double-point Power Play, five-point line and 12-minute matches, the event brings netball back to The O2 and allows teams to include two global All-Star players in their squad.

Barry Hearn, chairman of promoters Matchroom Sport, said: “We are delighted to have confirmed Team Northumbria will take part in the British Fast5 All-Stars Championship in September.

“Netball is growing at a rapid rate and we hope this exciting new event will continue that push. We’re bringing the best British sides to The O2 for one huge event with some exciting twists which will add a new dimension to the sport.”

Tickets for the British Fast5 All-Stars Championship are available now from www.theo2.co.uk and start from just £20 with group tickets available priced from £60 for four adults. VIP Courtside tickets are available for £150 from www.fast5allstars.com

Sue Vout, TN franchise director added: “We are delighted to be competing in the inaugural Fast5 All-Stars Championships. Our players are very much looking forward to playing at The O2 in front of such a large crowd.

“We have had tremendous support from our fans across the North East of England this year and we really hope that as many of them as possible will join us at this exciting high-profile event.”

Matchroom Sport are the world-renowned sports promotional company behind PDC darts, World Snooker and a wide stable of boxing talent including World champions such as Anthony Joshua, Kell Brook and Tony Bellew.

The company has more than 30 years’ experience in sports promotion and currently operates across 11 sports - most recently adding the World Cup of Gymnastics to its expanding portfolio.