Celtic Dragons have extended their links with Cardiff Met University by using their facilities as their home training base for the new Vitality Netball Super League season.

The Dragons played their final home fixture of last season at the National Indoor Athletics Centre at Cyncoed, going down to the Sirens by 59-37. Now they will be able to prepare for the new season under new head coach Tania Hoffman in world-class surroundings.

The partnership means the Cardiff Met campus will host on court training and all elite performance support services, via its range of industry-leading facilities, including the Archers’ Arena double netball court and Cyncoed Fitness Centre.

“Celtic Dragons is always striving to innovate and grow, so forging this new partnership with Cardiff Met is an exciting development for the franchise. Cardiff Met’s School of Sport and Health Sciences is led by an ambitious leadership team, supported by very knowledgeable and skilled staff,” said Sarah Jones, CEO of Welsh Netball, who control the Dragons’ Superleague franchise.

“The University’s vision for women’s sport aligns with our own and their world class support and training systems can help drive future success for Celtic Dragons. Along with the appointment of our first dedicated head coach the franchise will have the world-class services and facilities required to support an exciting new-look squad for 2019.”

The Dragons, who won only two games last season and finished bottom of the table, are still searching for an assistant coach and are also holding open trials as they seek fresh blood to reinvigorate their challenge next season.

The offer is open to players with Superleague or international experience to join in the trials on Sunday, 30 September at the Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens. Full details are on the Dragons website.