TOP netball stars from England and Northern Ireland have arrived in Glasgow to compete for a new trophy.

Over the next three days they will battle it out at the British Invitational Netball Tournament at the Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena. It is hoped the event will be the first in a series of top netball competitions in the city in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow Wildcats will take on elite stars from England's Northern Premier Force, Northern Ireland Panthers and the England Under-21 side. Each side will play three games between tomorrow and Sunday with the winners claiming the new trophy. The British Invitational was set up to help develop a squad of elite players who will compete for Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Fifteen members of the Wildcats squad are full Scottish internationals and the city council has committed £195,000 to the team over the next three years to help it develop.

Council Commonwealth Games spokesman Archie Graham said: "We want to give our up-and-coming netball stars the very best possible support as we look ahead to the Commonwealth Games.

"Tournaments such as this will see our players compete against the best in Great Britain and Ireland and will be good for their development. It will also give people the chance to see our top stars in action ahead of Glasgow 2014."

Later this year, Glasgow will host its first World Invitational Premier Club Challenge which will involve six teams.

A further two British Invitational tournaments will be held in the city in 2013 and 2014 and Glasgow will play host to the world Youth Netball Championships next year.

All will be staged at the £113 million Commonwealth Arena being built opposite Celtic Park. It will also host the netball finals at the 2014 Games.

Glasgow Wildcats head coach Denise Holland said: "There has never been a more exciting time for netball in Glasgow. As we look ahead to Glasgow 2014, it is vital our players get as much experience as possible, taking on top quality opposition and this weekend's tournament will do just that.

"The backing of a large home crowd would really inspire our players. I am sure the people of Glasgow will turn out in force to support the Wildcats."

Day tickets cost £5 for adults /£3 for concessions, and weekend tickets £10 for adults /£5 for concessions. They are available from www.glasgowwildcats.co.uk or by calling 0141 353 8000. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a 50% discount.

l Youngsters go for Games jobs – Page 44