FORMER England netball captain Pamela Cookey has retired from playing in a bid to make a “significant impact” at Worcester-based Severn Stars.

Cookey has been appointed director of netball at the University of Gloucestershire who will be running the new Superleague franchise along with the University of Worcester.

The move spells an end to her glittering playing career which saw her win the domestic title seven times with Team Bath and Surrey Storm.

The 31-year-old, who retired from international netball in September last year, also won 114 caps for England over 11 years, notably securing two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Severn Stars, who will play at the University of Worcester Arena, will begin their campaign in February and Cookey says she is looking forward to starting in her new role in October.

“Netball is in my blood, being part of the new Severn Stars franchise is a fantastic opportunity to stay involved and one in which I really aim to make a significant impact off court,” she said.

Cookey will team up with former Australia Diamonds ace Mo’onia Gerrard, who has recently been named head coach of Severn Stars.

“I used to play against Cookey, so she knows what I am like on the court and the professional standards I come from,” Gerrard said.

“What she brings outside of netball is her background in business, so we will be working tightly to create an environment where everyone is comfortable and enjoying the sport.”

University of Worcester are also aiming to appoint a director of netball who will work alongside Gloucestershire’s Cookey.

Mick Donovan, director of the Severn franchise, added: “We have advertised the post, so we would hope to appoint within the next month or so.

“We need someone to drive our vibrant programme and both directors will do that for their own universities.

“But they will both feed in as a joint directors of the Severn Stars franchise to help to bring everything together.”