The International Netball Federation (INF) has today announced that England Netball has won the rights to host the 15th staging of the Netball World Cup in 2019.

The tournament will be held at ACC Liverpool in the iconic city of Liverpool, widely renowned for its international reputation in hosting sports and other major events, including the World Netball Series.

INF President, the Hon. Molly Rhone, OJ, CD, said: “On behalf of the Board of the International Netball Federation, I am delighted to announce that England Netball has been awarded the rights to host the 2019 Netball World Cup.  England put in a strong bid and we are confident that they will deliver an outstanding event in an excellent venue in the city of Liverpool. 

“It is an exciting time for netball right now, which is growing at an unprecedented rate throughout the world.  We look forward to seeing this growth continue to soar and to working with the Organising Committee in bringing the INF’s most important event to England in 2019.”

The 2019 Netball World Cup forms part of UK Sport’s Gold Event Series, which is investing around £40 million of National Lottery funding to bring up to 100 world-class events to Great Britain to help build a strong legacy from London 2012 and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

CEO of England Netball Joanna Adams commented:  “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the rights to stage the World Cup, the biggest competition in netball. With participation increasing in the sport, this will provide a welcome incentive to build upon our momentum and increase the visibility of netball in our country.

“Having worked with Liverpool to host major global tournaments previously, we have a proven track record of being able to stage such a prestigious event and we look forward to welcoming the netball world to the North-West. On behalf of England Netball, I would like to thank all parties who worked with us on securing this bid.”

Minister for Sport Helen Grant said:  “I’m delighted that the 2019 Netball World Cup will be held in Liverpool. Not only is it a major coup for the city, but for the country as a whole. I have no doubt that by hosting this major event on home soil we will raise the profile of this great sport even further and boost women’s sport generally.”

Liz Nicholl, Chief Executive of UK Sport and a former Chief Executive of England Netball, said:  “Netball is thriving with unprecedented growth in participation, support from sponsors and exposure in the media.  Add to this the Government’s strong commitment to promoting women’s sport, and I really do believe that Liverpool offers the perfect platform to help the International Netball Federation develop and grow this fantastic sport, not just in England but globally. “

“I am convinced that through the Gold Event Series UK Sport can help deliver a remarkable tournament in Liverpool in 2019 that will promote the growth of netball and once again demonstrate the considerable value we place on women’s sport in the UK.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, said: “I am thrilled that Liverpool has been chosen to stage the Netball World Cup in 2019. It is a huge honour and vote of confidence, and demonstrates our track record in delivering major quality events.

“Sport is hugely important in Liverpool and we have committed to a 10 year partnership with England Netball to build participation and grow the audience up to and beyond the event through a series of top internationals.  Our aim is to inspire people to participate in the sport and develop the next generation of netballers.”