Binns quits England to coach

Binns: Coaching role

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Midcourt player Jo Binns has withdrawn from the England netball squad to concentrate on her coaching career.

The 24-year-old has been a popular face in the squad since 2006 but wants to give more time to her role as regional talent coach for the South West.

Her playing highlights included featuring in the World Championships in 2007 and captaining the Open Squad at Netball Europe 2008.

"It was always going to be a tough decision because I've put a huge amount of effort in over the years and playing for your country is the ultimate challenge for a netballer," said Binns, who is relishing her coaching role.

"It's great to have that involvement in bringing youngsters through the talent system and looking forward to them having opportunities to reach the national squad.

Maximum effort

"I always like to give a maximum effort to everything and felt that in order to do this, I wanted to concentrate on my coaching."

But she added: "I couldn't leave the sport completely as I enjoy playing! I hope to continue playing in the Co-operative Netball Superleague for TeamBath and I'm excited about facing new challenges both on and off the court."

Nigel Holl, Director of Netball praised Binns for her contribution to the playing side of the game and wished her well for her coaching career.

"It has been a pleasure working with Jo as a member of the national squad," he said.

"Her move into coaching as one of our regional talent coaches is fantastic. I'm sure everyone joins me in wishing Jo the very best with her coaching career."