Scottish netball's league boost

Scottish netball has been given a boost after it was confirmed a team will join the Superleague in England in 2008/09.

The as yet unnamed Glasgow-based franchise will be invited on a similar basis to the Welsh team in the league, the Celtic Dragons.

It will feature Scottish internationals at senior and U21 level as they build towards the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Netball Scotland's Brian McElvie said it was relishing the prospect of its first game in the league.

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Following confirmation of the invitation, Netball Scotland said it would be advertising for a full-time national coach with overall responsibility for the Superleague programme.

Scottish players already have some experience of the Co-operative Netball Superleague.

Lesley MacDonald and Clare Cooper have featured as overseas players for Team Northumbria during the past two seasons.

"In order to become increasingly competitive in the world arena, Scottish netballers need exposure to more experienced internationals, from whom they can learn and develop," said McElvie.

"The new franchise's involvement will provide our players with just this challenge as well as helping to develop our administrative and technical support capabilities.

"I know that Lesley and Clare have enjoyed their time with Northumbria immensely, and look forward to seeing even more Scottish internationals taking part in the competition."

England Netball chief executive Paul Clark said the Scottish team would "bring new competitive challenges and commercial expertise to the competition".