England Netball and Netball Jamaica today confirmed that the Vitality Roses&rsquo; Horizon Series 2025 matches on December 13 and 14 at the Copper Box Arena will be the only fixtures taking place this year, following the cancellation of the Jamaican leg due to the devastating impact and disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Eboni Usoro-Brown, President of England Netball, said: &ldquo;The relationship between England Netball and Netball Jamaica runs far deeper than anything that happens on the court.&rdquo;
The confirmation came in the form of an official press release.
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Read the release below:
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vitality Roses Horizon Series 2025: Horizon Series 2025: World-Class Netball
Supporting Jamaica
England Netball and Netball Jamaica announce Horizon Series 2025 London
fixtures and fundraising to support Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa
England Netball and Netball Jamaica today confirmed that the Vitality Roses&rsquo;
Horizon Series 2025 matches on 13 and 14 December at the Copper Box Arena will
be the only fixtures taking place this year, following the cancellation of the Jamaican
leg due to the devastating impact and disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.
With large parts of Jamaica significantly affected, and the lives of thousands of
families upended, the decision to cancel the home fixtures for the Sunshine Girls
was made after close consultation between England Netball and Netball Jamaica,
prioritising the welfare and recovery needs of the affected communities.
To support the island&rsquo;s recovery, England Netball will donate &pound;1 from every ticket
sold for games at the Copper Box Arena to Netball Jamaica&rsquo;s chosen charity, World
Central Kitchen (WCK). WCK teams are providing thousands of hot, culturally
familiar meals each day to Jamaican families rebuilding after the disaster. Fans can
also make an additional impact by adding an optional donation when purchasing
tickets online. Further fundraising initiatives will be announced in due course, offering
even more in-arena opportunities to support Jamaica&rsquo;s recovery efforts.
Given the unique circumstances of this situation, England Netball is working closely
with Netball Jamaica to support and facilitate the Sunshine Girls&rsquo; participation in the
series. This collaboration ensures the team can focus on their performance while
also using the series as an opportunity to raise awareness of, and funds for, the
ongoing relief efforts in Jamaica.
Eboni Usoro-Brown, President of England Netball, said: &ldquo;The relationship
between England Netball and Netball Jamaica runs far deeper than anything that
happens on the court. Having faced the Sunshine Girls throughout my playing
career, I know first-hand the passion, pride, and resilience they bring to every match.
They are more than opponents; they have shaped some of the most defining
moments in our sport.
&ldquo;As someone with Jamaican heritage, it fills me with immense pride to see England
Netball stand in support at a time when Jamaica needs us most. While the Sunshine
Girls are unable to host their home fixtures, we are committed to welcoming them to
London with open arms and ensuring they feel respected, supported, and at home.
&ldquo;I know our England Netball community will rise to the occasion. The kindness,
generosity, and unity within our sport are second to none, and I have everyconfidence that our fans will show the Sunshine Girls just how strong the bond
between our nations truly is. Together, we stand shoulder to shoulder, on and off the
court.&rdquo;
Karen Rosen-Baugh, President of Netball Jamaica, said:
&ldquo;Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread and devastating damage to several
Jamaican communities and has also had unexpected impact on our planning for the
Horizon Series. We are grateful for the support of the team from England Netball and
our diaspora community to ensure that we can use the UK leg of the Horizon Series
to demonstrate the strength and resilience of Jamaicans and the Sunshine Girls and
very importantly, coordinate added support for the recovery effort. The Rhone
Hornsby Trophy is now even more a symbol of our shared heritage and love for the
sport of netball.
&ldquo;This series is not just about competition; it is a symbol of hope and a call to action
for fans and communities to unite in support of Jamaica&rsquo;s recovery. We look forward
to an outstanding series and sharing in making a significant contribution to Jamaica&rsquo;s
recovery.&rdquo;
National Coach Sasher Gaye Henry-Wright has named a fifteen member Sunshine
Girls squad for the series as follows:
Shooters:
Shanice Beckford
Rhea Dixon
Simone Beckford
Gezelle Allison
Mischa Creary
Centre Court:
Khadijah Williams
Adean Thomas
Abigale Sutherland
Crystal Plummer
Zaudi GreenDefenders:
Kimone Shaw
Vangelee Williams
Theresa Beckford
Roxanna McLean
Paula Ann Burton
She will be supported by Intern Coach Kerry-Ann Brown, Team Doctor, Dr Michelle
Holt, Physiotherapist, Offneil Lamont and Team Manager Maureen Brown.
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England Netball and Netball Jamaica today confirmed that the Vitality Roses’ Horizon Series 2025 matches on December 13 and 14 at the Copper Box Arena

Vitality Roses’ Horizon Series 2025 Confirmed