Coach Gail Parata at Forefront of Scotland Netball

The Glasgow Sirens, coached by New Zealander Gail Parata, are set to change the game of netball in Scotland, bringing together a lineup of global athletes to represent the country in the UK’s Vitality Netball Superleague.

“It’s about empowering women in sport and putting them out there as role models,” Parata says.

Parata has selected eight athletes from Scotland, a national Northern Ireland star and three world-class netball superstars, including New Zealander Ellen Halpenny, to create a mix of experience and burgeoning talent – and she hopes it will change the face of the game here in Scotland.

Parata – who is also the coach for the national Thistle team – told Glasgow Live that it’s a “massive” moment for Scottish netball.

She added: “It’s about the bigger picture; changing the game. It’s about empowering women – showing that our sport is amazing and that we believe in it but, even more, that we believe in women wanting to play it or any other sport they want.

“In New Zealand you see netball all over TV and radio. If we can get that over here then it’s an amazing moment.

“We want to show these women as the role models they are. “Back home, a lot of men watch our sport too because it’s competitive, it’s fast paced and it’s 60 minutes – these players are amazing athletes, to compete for that long.”

Original article by Gillian Loney, Glasgow Live, January 7, 2017.