Bond University has announced a unique partnership with elite netball teams for the Golden South Region, the Jaguars, as part of its ongoing commitment to the development of sporting excellence on the Gold Coast.
The new partnership will see Bond University open their high quality training facilities to the Jaguars, as well as provide opportunities for Bond students studying sports management, physiotherapy, and film and television to complete internships through the netball club.
The newly named team, the Bond University Golden South Jaguars, will launch into the 2015 season this weekend, representing the entire Gold Coast region in the Mission Queensland State Netball League.
Bond University Director of Sport, Garry Nucifora, said the partnership was part of Bond's commitment to fostering elite sport on the Gold Coast, particularly in the area of women's sport.
"Bond is proud of its reputation for sporting excellence, and this partnership is a great opportunity to advance the role women's sport plays within the university," he said.
"This mutually beneficial collaboration will provide the Golden South Jaguars full access to Bond University's world class facilities, and the expertise and support we bring through our sport science testing facilities at the Bond Institute of Health and Sport.
"Netball is Australia's number one participation sport for women, and through this partnership we aim to develop a strong netball program at Bond, with a strong focus on encouraging and strengthening the talent of young sportswomen in Queensland."
Julie Prendergast, President of the Golden South Region, said the partnership would provide a foot in the door for Bond students vying for a career in sports management, physiotherapy, and other related disciplines.
"Bond students will gain hands-on training through the club, with sports management students provided opportunities to intern at home games, physiotherapy students able to learn alongside our professional team of physios, and film and television students given access to experience the live broadcasting of games," she said.
"Through this partnership we hope to cultivate a strong netball program at Bond, by also providing netball hopefuls at the university a link to our top level coaches.
"Women's sport, such as netball, often takes a backseat to men's sport, so it is vital that young women are provided with valuable opportunities and equal access to develop their sporting abilities.
"The Golden South Jaguars are thrilled to join forces with Bond University, and we look forward to working together to achieve mutual success in the 2015 Mission Queensland State Netball League," she said.
Ms Prendergast said the team had high hopes for the coming season.
"Our teams this year are of an exceptional calibre, we have some star young players who have already been marked as likely contenders for the Firebirds, as well as former Diamond shooter Jo Morgan," she said.
"It's a big call, but I believe we are definitely headed for the finals this year. Our girls are determined and I know they will be pushing to win."
The Bond University Golden South Jaguars will kick off the 2015 season this Saturday (May 9) against defending champions, Carina Leagues Club Tigers, at the State Netball Centre in Mt Gravatt.
For further information on this weekend's playing schedule, visit http://qld.netball.com.au/