Red Stripe Flavours was announced as the new title sponsor for the Elite League tournaments, on Friday (May 31).

 The semi-professional netball league, which features national squad members and other top netballers in Jamaica, will showcase five Elite League teams vying for cash and prizes.

The National U21 Team will also participate in the league to prepare for the U21 World Cup qualifiers to be held in Guadeloupe later this year.

Netball Jamaica President, Tricia Robinson says the Elite Netball League is an important fixture in the local netball calendar and plays an integral role in the development of elite players.

She said, “The Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League is a semi-professional league, positioned above the Major League in the local league hierarchy. Our league features over eighty of Jamaica’s top locally-based netballers and delivers fast-paced, high-quality, evenly-matched games, ensuring excitement for spectators. These games frequently serve as a platform for national team recruitment and selection. As the number four country in the world, we have to continue to develop our players by providing opportunities for high-quality netball at world-class events.”

The teams vying for top spots are defending champions Manchester Spurs, the defending coached by Dalton Hinds; St Ann Orchids, coached by Rasheed Joseph; St James Sharpes, guided by Marvette Anderson; Kingston Hummingbirds, with co-coaches Nardia Hanson and Kerry Ann Brown; and St Catherine Racers, coached by Jodi-Ann Ffrench Kentish. Phyllis Thomas and assistant coach Nicole Pinnock coach the Under-21 team. 

Red Stripe Flavours Brand Manager, Jodi-Ann Campbell, expressed her gratitude for the partnership with Netball Jamaica, and the positive impact the Elite Netball League will have on female athletic development.

She said, “We are happy for the partnership as it is a step in the right direction as we support the advancement of women in sports. This gives them visibility and recognition but propels them to inspire future generations. Red Stripe Flavours is happy to add our flavour to the league and we are excited to bring the spectators on this journey. As the league progresses, we are looking forward to sharing what we have in store at each match as we make every moment count.”

The Red Stripe Netball Jamaica Elite League will be played in a round-robin format. The games have an added feature in the Powerade Power Play at the end of each quarter where circle-edge shots are worth double points. The finals are slated for the end of July. Games will start at 6 PM on Fridays and at 4 PM on Sundays.