The Panthers Premier League Netball Association could be on the horizon

Penrith District, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury City Netball ­Associations, have applied jointly for a Premier League licence.

Penrith District Netball Association, in conjunction with Blue Mountains Netball Association and Hawkesbury City Netball Association have applied jointly for a Netball NSW Premier League Licence for 2016, Pictured is the Club President Joy Gillett and Penrith netballers Montana Geyer, 18, and Lyndall Mann, 25.

Netball hopefuls look out ­because the Premier League could be coming to Penrith.

Penrith District Netball Association, in conjunction with Blue Mountains Netball Association and Hawkesbury City Netball ­Association, have applied jointly for a Netball NSW Premier League licence for 2016.

Competing under the name of Panthers Premier League Netball Association, Penrith president Joy Gillett said the group would find out on December 18 whether the bid was successful.

Campbelltown v Penrith under-12s at a junior gala carnival. (Timothy Clapin)

“Both associations and us felt that we had a better chance of success if we went in with the three of us,” Gillett said.

“Even before I contacted the other associations, I had already been speaking to Panthers to sponsor it and they agreed to do that 12 months ago.

Emma Bissett for Penrith at the District Junior Rep Carnival. (Peter Kelly)

“Panthers have been absolutely fantastic and without the money we would not have been able to do this.”

The Premier League is an ­exciting prospect for all players, coaches, managers and bench ­personnel interested in moving through the NSW pathways.

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“In the past, the highest level a Penrith player could go and remain playing for Penrith was the State League,” Gillett said.

Kiata Hemi shoots for Penrith. (Peter Kelly)

“Then they can go on to play with a team like the Swifts and then ­Australia, so the Premier League sits in between the State League and the Swifts.”

At this point, it is envisaged there will be an Opens team and an under-19s team.

“We’re hoping to keep the under-19 team for local members of the associations because we want to create a career path for our players,” she said.

Joy Gillett with Montana Geyer, 18, and Lyndall Mann, 25.

“The open side will probably have to be a bit further spread though because you need a competitive team.”

GET INVOLVED:

■ Members of the three associations (Penrith, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury) will be able to trial for the Premier League teams.

■ The newly formed Panthers Premier League Netball Association will be chasing sponsors and support should their bid be successful

■ If interested call 0409 033 381