Pledge as Kardinia quits centre

THE Geelong Basketball Netball Centre has moved to reassure players that the sport will continue at the venue after a split with a key tenant.

Kardinia Netball Association announced this week it had “ceased its partnership” with the GBNC due to “irreconcilable differences” with centre management.

Kardinia will end its association with the GBNC at the end of this winter season.

GBNC chief executive Chantal Nelson announced the ending of the agreement.

“Whilst we did not agree with the decision made by the Kardinia Netball Association, we wish them all the best,” Nelson said.

“We would like to reassure all of our members and future patrons that this does not mean the end of netball at our centre.

“We have always handled the administration of Kardinia Netball Association’s competitions and we are pleased to be able to confirm that we have South Geelong Netball Association coming on board for the summer 17-18 season.

“All of our winter 2017 competitions will be offered again in summer 2017-18 under the South Geelong Netball Association banner.”

The Geelong Advertiser has been unable to obtain comment from Kardinia Netball Association.

Kardinia said in a Facebook post the decision was “not made lightly”.

Nelson said the GBNC would continue to develop netball in the region.

“We have employed a club development officer to grow netball within our centre and this will continue,” she said.