A PROFESSIONAL netball team will be coming to Worcester after a successful joint bid.

Severn Stars are one of a number of new franchises in the Vitality Superleague, announced by England Netball, thanks to the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire.

The intensive application and selection process attracted huge interest from clubs and businesses throughout the United Kingdom.

In early season, home games will be at the University of Worcester Arena and, upon completion of new facilities in Gloucestershire, hosting is to be shared.

Professor David Green, the Worcester vice chancellor and chief executive, said: “We are delighted to learn our bid was successful. Netball is the largest female participation sport in the UK and this will help give women’s sport the much-needed recognition it deserves.

“We hope it will inspire a whole new generation of girls to get involved in sport.”

Both universities have strong traditions of developing players with students selected to represent England at this summer’s World Series in New Zealand.

Mick Donovan, deputy pro vice chancellor (inclusive sport and educational development) at Worcester, said: “We have been working with the team at Gloucestershire for over one year to prepare the strongest bid possible. The Severn Stars partnership boasts a wealth of talent, experience and potential from within a wide range of partners.

“Many people have worked hard to bring elite netball to the city and we are really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

The name derives from the river that brings the two regions together and the partnership will be supported by Worcester City and Hucclecote clubs, who have both played at the highest level outside of the superleague.

The arena has already hosted high-profile netball games, including superleague finals and England internationals.

The first league game will be in January and the club face a busy schedule as they look to build a playing and coaching team.

Scottish Sirens and Coventry-based Wasps were also included in the superleague, which has been televised by Sky Sports, to create 10 teams in total.