"I aim to create an outstanding high-performance programme that will realise the potential of the players within the Scottish pathway."
Thursday 30 May 2019 18:49, UK
Karen Atkinson has been appointed as the technical director of the Vitality Netball Superleague franchise, Strathclyde Sirens.
The role is the first of its kind at Sirens and will see Atkinson take on the strategic leadership of Scotland's national franchise.
The former Loughborough Lightning director of netball and ex-England international is tasked with creating an "ambitious and visionary strategy" for the franchise.
Sirens finished the 2019 Superleague season just three points ahead of bottom-placed London Pulse. However, their work to drive netball in Scotland has been impressive and appointing Atkinson is an indication of their ambition to further develop, both on and off court.
"Netball in Scotland has grown rapidly in recent years and our Superleague franchise, Strathclyde Sirens, has really helped to put us on the map," said Claire Nelson, Netball Scotland CEO.
"As we head into a Netball World Cup, our franchise has given our national athletes the unprecedented opportunity of being able to train and play together week in, week out, in what is undoubtedly one of the best domestic netball leagues in the world.
"However, we did not enter this league to prop it up and we are as committed as ever to being a team that is capable of challenging, and beating, any team on any day," added the CEO.
As we move into our next strategic cycle and look beyond this year's Netball World Cup, now is the time for us to build upon the strong foundations of seasons 1-3 and raise our game to deliver a programme which enables our team and athletes to realise their full potential. We believe that Karen Atkinson has the skills, experience and passion to do this.
Atkinson has been supporting Loughborough Lightning director of netball Sara Bayman this season and has already expressed her delight at the opportunity presented to her.
"This is an extremely exciting opportunity and challenge. I am looking forward to working with everyone at Strathclyde Sirens," said Atkinson, who won three Commonwealth Games bronze medals as a player.
"I aim to create an outstanding high-performance programme that will realise the potential of the players within the Scottish pathway as well as attract high quality players with the required work ethic, mindset and values.
"Sirens already possess excellent people, facilities and resources. This creates a fantastic platform from which we can develop something very special. I can't wait to get started!"
Watch every match of the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup live on Sky Sports Netball and on the Sky Sports YouTube channel. Coverage starts on Friday, July 12 plus keep up to date with all of the latest competition news, results and enjoy in-depth features at SkySports.com/netball
