By Gary Anderson

September 24 - England's netball players will train at new INTC at University of Bath as build-up to Glasgow 2014 continuesThe University of Bath has today become the first Intensive Netball Training Centre (INTC) for England Netball as part of the governing body's strategy to see the country become world champions by 2019.

The centre in Bath is the first of three INTC's officially opened as part of England Netball's overall aim to improve standards.

The other centres are located at Brunel University and in Manchester.

Each INTC is designed to provide the highest quality training environment for England's top players, providing regular coached training and supervised strength and conditioning, as well as on-site physiotherapy, medical and performance lifestyle services.

Anna Mayes, England's head coach, was on hand at an official ceremony in the Sports Training Village at the University of Bath to present a special plaque marking the occasion to Stephen Baddeley, director of sport at the University.

"We're proud and delighted to host one of England Netball's Intensive Netball Training Centres," said Baddeley.

"It further consolidates what is a strong and successful partnership between the University of Bath and England Netball.

"Over many years, through working in partnership with England Netball, we have an unrivalled track record of developing talented netball players on our campus and we look forward to continue to work closely with England Netball to help England become the world's number one team."

From left to right: England Netball head coach Anna Mayes, England player Serena Guthrie and University of Bath director of sport Stephen Baddeley at the official launch of the first INTC in BathFrom left to right: England Netball head coach Anna Mayes, England player Serena Guthrie and University of Bath director of sport, Stephen Baddeley at the official launch of the first INTC in Bath
































England players have been training at the University of Bath in preparation for the three-game Fiat International Netball Series against South Africa, which saw the side containing five current and five former Team Bath players secure an opening game win over the South Africans 49-38 on Sunday (September 22) in front of a packed crowd at the University.

The second game is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Wembley Arena with the final match in Worcester on Friday (September 27).

England players have been training at the three INTCs, which are funded through Sport England's Whole Sport Plan funding, by INTC hosts and through local partnerships, since July 8 and the centres become fully operational from September 30, with 45 athletes from around England participating in the programme.

England currently lie third in the world rankings behind world champions Australia and Commonwealth Games champions New Zealand, and will be hoping to improve on their bronze medal from Delhi 2010 as preparations ramp up for Glasgow 2014.

"England Netball is delighted to partner with the University of Bath, Brunel University and Manchester City Council as we move ahead with our Netball First approach to elite level performance," said chief executive of England Netball, Paul Clark.

"We believe that the fantastic relationships we will continue to build with these venues to host our Intensive Netball Training Centre's will see England achieve our ambition of becoming world champions in 2019."

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