Panthers Netball stars ready, raring to go for 2021 season

Friday, 16 April 2021

Penrith City Council has wished the Panthers Netball Premier League players the very best for the 2021 season at a season launch event held by Council.

Penrith City Council has been a sponsor of Panthers Netball Premier League team since its inaugural season with the event bringing together Panthers Netball board and management, coaching staff, players and other sponsors in the Nepean Room for the 2021 Season Launch event.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said Council is a proud sponsor of Panthers Netball Premier League which provides fantastic pathways for players, from juniors through to elite representative opportunities.

“Council continues to invest in sports facilities at a local level as we see the value in developing and shaping sports stars here in our City, before they go on to earn achievements at a much higher level, potentially playing for the state or even their country,” Cr McKeown said.

“We learned that this year, 30% of the Panthers Premier Netball League cohort are local – a fantastic milestone that speaks volumes about the success of program.

“Council supports all sporting codes and thanks the clubs who are dedicated to building such great local talent, as Penrith is known for breeding outstanding athletes.”

During the 2021 Season Launch event, the room was abuzz with excitement as players prepare to get back on the court following a difficult, shortened 2020 season for all due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Panthers Netball Chair Joy Gillett OAM said the team was raring and “ready to get back to normal” in 2021 and thanked Penrith City Council for its ongoing support.

“Even though it goes up into league levels, this is still amateur netball as the players aren’t paid – they do it because they love it – so it is hard to get funding at this level and we appreciate every dollar we receive,” Ms Gillett said.

“Council gives us so much more than sponsorship as it is greatly supportive of netball in Penrith and especially the Jamison (Penrith District Netball Association) competition – we are very grateful for their contribution.”

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Friday, 16 April 2021.