The Loughborough Lightning netball franchise is a partnership between Loughborough University and the East Midlands netball region.

The franchise is based at the University and the team is made up from current students, Loughborough graduates and regional players.

With England stars Ama Agbeze and Jade Clarke playing for Lightning and ex-England captain Olivia Murphy leading the team Lightning will be challenging for the NSL title in 06/07.

The franchise was a completely new venture for the start of Superleague and shows the University’s commitment to developing elite netball.

Lightning is looking to use the comprehensive training facilities and support structure at the University to attract the best players to the East Midlands and grow the best talent from within the region.

Lightning’s success on-court and the hard work that has been put in off it, by the players and the squad’s support can be seen by a 40% growth in home crowds already this season, together with the addition of a Development squad to the club’s structure for the 06/7 season.

For more information, please visit: www.loughboroughlightning.co.uk