The four Home Nations have partnered to encourage people to renew memberships ©England Netball

Home nations netball governing bodies have partnered to launch a campaign titled "#TogetherWeAreNetball", which aims to encourage people to renew their membership for the 2020-2021 season.

The campaign was devised by Welsh Netball, with the hope the renewal of memberships will help to protect the sport financially and drive participation when netball returns.

England Netball, Netball Northern Ireland and Netball Scotland joined the campaign.

"The netball governing bodies across the UK have been working tirelessly since March to keep the Netball Family safe, informed and engaged," Welsh Netball chief executive Sarah Jones said.

"We have worked collaboratively to ensure that our members are able to return to court safely, in line with our return to netball roadmaps and respective Government guidelines.

"We have consulted our members, obtained the latest medical and scientific advice and placed an emphasis on regular, clear communication throughout this crisis.

"This unprecedented challenge has also presented us with a wealth of new digital opportunities, and the Netball Family has united like never before.

"Plus, thanks to the International Netball Federation and Netball Europe via their COVID-19 relief fund, they have enabled us to bring this collaborative vision to life.

"Their support and that of our community is vital to protect the future of our game and ensure that we survive and emerge stronger than ever, because #TogetherWeAreNetball."

The governing bodies said the pandemic had placed a significant financial strain on the organisations, as well as leading to a reduction of women’s and girls’ activity levels.

Thousands of people had been unable to get on a netball court during the lockdown.

A survey conducted by Savanta ComRes on behalf of Sport England found only 25 per cent of women were meeting weekly activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week.

The organisations says membership has helped thousands of women and girls get active, trained umpires and coaches, and supported rising stars on their journey to competing nationally.

The campaign has encouraged people to share #TogetherWeAreNetball on social media and by ensure their membership has been renewed for next season.

"To have all four nations coming together in support of this initiative is monumental," said Fran Connolly, England Netball chief executive.

"It shows what netball is all about and how much this sport matters to us all.

"None of us could have anticipated the impact COVID-19 would have and the pressures it would put our sport under but we are doing all we can to protect it.

"By collaborating on this initiative we can tap into each other’s resources, speak to a bigger audience and demonstrate how this sport can connect us all, even during difficult times.

"At England Netball, we not so long ago launched an individual campaign called #RiseAgain based on membership and this initiative with the home nations is a great extension of that, bringing not only England based netballers together but the whole of the UK.

"I hope our members will get behind us in supporting #TogetherWeAreNetball because the future of netball is in their hands."