Severn Stars netball club will be looking to make a big impression in their first season of the Vitality Netball Superleague. As one of three new teams entering the Vitality Netball Superleague for the 2017 season, Severn Stars have a clear vision; to develop, perform and achieve year on year success on and off the court by blending youth and experience supported by a high quality coaching and management team. This highlights their commitment to supporting England becoming number one in the world.

Although they are a new team, they have very high aspirations for the future, evident in their first key appointments that include the former Australian Diamonds player Mo’onia Gerrard as head coach and the immensely talented former England Captain; Pamela Cookey as a director and technical shooting coach. Mo’onia will be supported by assistant coach Samantha Bird coming from Hertfordshire Mavericks and team Manager Jo Baker. This set up has attracted an exciting and experienced team of players including England Trio Laura Malcolm, Jodie Gibson and Eleanor Cardwell as well as overseas players Josie Janz-Dawson and Afeisha Noel.

With a new franchise comes the luxury for Mo’onia and her coaching team to mould the club how they want it and so far they have done exactly that. The newly formed Stars have been working hard on their style and mentality on court and have made plenty of progress since coming together for the first time in October. Mo’onia praises the player’s effort so far saying, “the girls have really taken on board the way Sam Bird and I are trying to push them into another direction of netball.”

Mo’onia is pleased with the “type of people” she has brought to the club and believes a five-month pre-season will pay dividends stating that “What you will probably see is a skilful yet fearless team who enjoy the game.”

The Severn Stars debut really will be one to watch this season.