England Netball announce "biggest ever" sponsorship deal with Vitality

Health and life insurance company Vitality have been announced as the principal sponsor of the England netball team after agreeing a long term deal, the biggest in the sport's history.

Vitality’s branding is set to feature on England’s team kit during the 2015 Netball World Cup in Sydney, a tournament set to take place between August 7 and 16.

England had finished third at the tournament in Singapore four years ago, equalling their best performance since winning the silver medal at Auckland in 1975.

England Netball head coach Tracey Neville expressed her delight at having the sponsorship secured ahead of the tournament.

"It is absolutely fantastic that a well-recognised company such as Vitality who are so committed to improving people’s health and well-being, have partnered with England Netball,” she said.

“This partnership has a perfect fit and the support of Vitality will go a long way to ensure we can build the best platform to develop netball and encourage women to participate for years to come."

England are set to face the challenge of Jamaica, Samoa and Scotland in Pool B of the World Cup, with all matches at the 14th edition of the World Cup due to be staged in the Allphones Arena.

Image title — England will be hoping to improve on the bronze medal they won at the last World Cup in Singaore four years ago when they compete in this year's tournament, which is due to start in Sydney next Saturday ©Getty Images

Should they advance to the later stages of the tournament they are likely to face the challenge of hosts and reigning world champions Australia, in addition to New Zealand, bidding to go one step further than in 2011, when they finished as runners-up to their arch-rivals.

Neville Koopowitz, Vitality chief executive, claimed the new sponsorship agreement shows their insurance companies commitment to supporting women’s sport in England.

“We believe in the power of sport to help inspire people to live a healthy life, which is why we partner with leading sports figures, teams and events to help us share the Vitality message,” he said.

“We hope to show our support for women in sport through this new partnership.

“We are excited to be sponsoring the England Netball Team as they enter into the Netball World Cup and hope that with our support they have a successful tournament over in Sydney.”