Shorts: Netball, This Girl Can, Newcastle United Women

England Netball has announced a new partnership with Sportsbreaks.com.

The deal will see the sports travel provider offer official ticket and hotel breaks to the upcoming Vitality Roses series against South Africa.

The Vitality Roses are four days away from starting their campaign in the Netball World Cup and the latter stages of the tournament are free to watch on the BBC.

England Netball will then face South Africa in a three-match test series this December, with an opening fixture at Manchester’s AO Arena to be followed by back-to-back clashes at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena.

Mark Foster, Chief Commercial Officer at England Netball, said, “We’re delighted to be working with Sportsbreaks.com to offer our fans the best all-around experience for our upcoming Vitality Netball International Series.

“We want to bring more people closer to the Vitality Roses and with our next series taking place in Manchester and Nottingham, we hope that more travelling fans can look forward to a wonderful trip in these brilliant cities whilst taking in some world-class netball.”

Rob Slawson, Managing Director at Sportsbreaks.com, added, “We’re incredibly excited to grow our presence in netball by partnering with England Netball.

“We know that netball fans around the country will be looking forward to December’s test series so look forward to providing official match breaks, providing fans with the ease of securing their tickets and hotel accommodation in one place.”

This Girl Can’s online platform Studio You has launched a new partnership with period care brand Bodyform.

The ‘No blood should hold us back’ campaign has debuted with a television ad that will be followed by period education resources for PE teachers.

The resources have been designed by period experts and are aimed at helping teachers feel more confident in making their lessons comfortable for every student.

Claire Edwards, Head of Campaign Activation at This Girl Can, said, “Our mission is to get more girls moving by removing as many barriers to exercise as we can.”

“Too often we hear how periods hold girls back from taking part in physical activity but this shouldn’t be the case. We just need to give them the right education, encouragement, and coping strategies.

“Our partnership with Bodyform aims to help more girls gain access to honest and open information around periods, so they better understand their bodies, free from period stigma and feel empowered to keep moving.”

Newcastle United Women has extended its partnership with construction firm Straightline NE Ltd for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign.

Last season, the construction firm was the Magpies’ principal partner as Becky Langley’s side lifted the FA Women’s National League Division One North title.

The social housing specialists will now become the official shorts sponsor as Newcastle United Women compete in the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Northern Premier Division. The company will also gain digital presence at the team’s games and at numerous events throughout the season.

Su Cumming, Head of Women’s Football at Newcastle United, said, “Newcastle United Women are once again grateful for Straightline’s incredible support. Last year, we witnessed just how passionate they are in supporting the growth of the club and the development of women’s football in the region.

“This continues to be an exciting time for Newcastle United Women as we look to grow, so to keep receiving the support of established and trusted local businesses like Straightline is great news for everybody involved.”

Richard Gilbert, Managing Director at Straightline NE, commented, “We are thrilled to continue our support of Newcastle United Women during this exciting chapter in the club’s history.

“The last 12 months of our partnership has been incredible. We have seen Becky and the first team winning the league to cap off a hugely entertaining season, and the Development Squad continues to go from strength to strength too.

“The growth of the women’s game is mirrored in construction, and we want to play our part in creating opportunities for women and girls in both industries. We look forward to continuing our work with Newcastle United Women and inspiring a new generation together.”

The R&A has signed a new three-year contract with sustainable water and beverage solutions company Bluewater.

The deal will see Bluewater supply event hydration solutions and stainless steel refillable bottles at The Open and AIG Women’s Open.

Under the agreement, Bluewater will take responsibility for installing, operating, and managing its innovative on-site water stations at both championships from 2023 to 2025 inclusive.

‘The Open Water Project’, which saw The Open become one of the first major sporting event in the world to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles completely, was designed and launched by The R&A and Bluewater at The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in 2019. The initiative has been supported by Mastercard, an official patron of The Open, since 2021, using the platform to raise awareness and funding support for global reforestation

Bengt Rittri, Chief Executive Officer of Bluewater, said, “We are thrilled to be once again working with The R&A to provide sustainable hydration solutions at two of the sporting world’s most premium and forward-thinking major events. Our water stations and planet-friendly bottles are a great way to end the need for single-use containers at all manner of global events, and we’re very proud to be able to offer this service to The R&A, along with all the players, fans, staff and volunteers on-site at the two championships.”