Mizuno has today been named as the official footwear partner of Netball Queensland’s 2019 HART Sapphire Series. In a first for the state league in Queensland, Netball Queensland has secured the official footwear partner to service the needs of the 70 semi-professional athletes that will compete in the new competition. Along with the Sapphire Series, the globally recognised sportswear brand has become an official partner of Netball Queensland.

CEO of Netball Queensland Catherine Clarke has praised the efforts of Mizuno is championing female sports and particularly netball. “Mizuno have an outstanding track record in the sporting goods industry. This partnership is reflective of our relentless pursuit for excellence in providing world-leading and innovative opportunities for our Queensland netballers,” she said. “It is a credit to our high-performance environment, coaches and athletes that a world-renowned sportswear supplier like Mizuno has chosen to come on board at Netball Queensland and to officially partner with the Sapphire Series. This is just another step forward as we look to provide our grass roots athletes and stars of the future with unprecedented tools and take netball in Queensland to another level,” Clark said.

The global sportswear company is highly respected for their attention to detail in creating highly sophisticated technical products. Mizuno Australia’s Head of Sport Shane Holub echoed Clark’s excitement. “We are very proud to be partnering with Netball Queensland and the Sapphire Series, it is certainly a very exciting time to be part of the game in Queensland as it continues to grow and develop local players for the national stage,” he said. Holub and the team at Mizuno see the importance of education in the development of athletes at all levels. "As we continue to grow in the Netball footwear category in Australia, we see this partnership as a real opportunity to engage with players from all levels of the game and promote the importance of netball shoes made for netball players,” Holub said that more than 70% of players aren't wearing the correct shoes for the sport. “Our #MakeTheSwap educational campaign is aimed at getting players in the correct footwear, namely out of running shoes and into netball shoes that provide them with the grip and support needed in this fast-moving game and ultimately reduce their risk of injury," he said.

The player contracting period opens next month for the seven inaugural license holders, with contracts and team lists to be finalised on January 31. The HART Sapphire Series kicks off in June 2019.

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