Bermuda’s netball team is gearing up for a maiden appearance at this year’s Central American and Caribbean Games.

Netball Bermuda confirmed on Friday that the Longtails, who are ranked 20th in the world and fifth in the Americas, were heading to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, over the summer.

“Netball Bermuda is excited to announce its participation in the Central America and Caribbean Games, being held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from the July 24 to August 8,” the association said.

“Netball is one of the participating disciplines and matches will be tentatively played from August 3 to 7.

“Participation is determined by the world ranking system, with the top five ranked countries in the Americas region, along with the host country.

“Though Bermuda was not ranked during the original qualifying period, St Vincent and the Grenadines have withdrawn their participation allowing for the next ranked country, with Bermuda becoming eligible.

“Netball Bermuda currently sits 20th in the World Netball rankings and in the top five in the Americas after a successful campaign in the Battle of Isles tournament, held in Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten last October.”

Netball was introduced for the first time at the CAC Games in 2023, with Jamaica winning gold in El Salvador.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the international season, Netball Bermuda will be conducting trials for both the women and men’s teams next Saturday.