THE Adelaide Thunderbirds will play a Suncorp Super Netball pre-season match in Berri against West Coast Fever next month.
The Thunderbirds planned to host the Melbourne Vixens in the Riverland last April, but the event was cancelled due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Almost exactly one year on, the SA side will finally travel to the region for its first competitive hit-out of 2021, on Friday, April 16.
Athletes from both clubs will also host junior clinics at the Berri Netball Club the following day, giving local netballers the chance to meet some of the sport’s biggest names.
Netball SA CEO, Bronwyn Klei said the Adelaide Thunderbirds were thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfil plans made prior to the impact of COVID-19.
“A lot of work went in to planning last year’s pre-season match with the Berri Barmera Council and the Berri Netball Club and I know all involved were devastated to see the event cancelled last year,” Ms Klei said.
“We know how important this opportunity is to regional netballers and we’re all so pleased to bring our original plans back to life for the Riverland community.
“There’s no doubt that country netballers are some of our most passionate fans and we look forward to giving them a first-hand look at the talent of the Adelaide Thunderbirds and the SSN.
“Netball SA would like to thank Berri Barmera Council and Berri Netball Club for their support and allowing us to bring some of the best players in the world to the region to showcase the sport.”
Berri Barmera Council Mayor Peter Hunt said the Riverland was home to thousands of netball players and fans who will relish the opportunity to see some of the world’s best netballers play on their doorstep.
“Access to Australia’s premier netball competition can be challenging for our regional netballers so it is with great excitement we announce that our community will be able to watch the Adelaide Thunderbirds take on the West Coast Fever in a pre-season match at the Berri Toyota Arena,” Mr Hunt said.
“Aside from giving Riverland locals access to an elite sporting match, the athletes will offer our netball enthusiasts the chance to get up close to their sporting idols when they conduct clinics on Saturday, April 17.”
Berri Netball Club committee member Chrissy Eleftheriadis thanked Netball SA and the Berri Barmera Council for bringing athletes from the world’s best netball competition to their hometown.
“Sport plays a vital role in country life and we know that our club and the sport-loving public in the Riverland will immensely enjoy seeing the athleticism and skills of the wonderful athletes live in Berri,” she said.
“The planned clinics for our club will offer players and coaches outstanding development opportunities and a chance to learn from some highly experienced athletes.”
Tickets for the match will be on sale late March.