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Sutton-based Eboni Beckford-Chambers is gaining momentum in her campaign to get netball into the 2012 Olympics, writes Chris Willmer.

The 20-year-old law student, who made her England debut in a 61-36 victory over African champions Malawi last month, launched an online petition to get the sport on the schedule for London's games on social networking website Facebook.

Her group already has 14,000 backers, but she has set a 500,000 target to put pressure on the International Olympic Committee.

Events such as the modern pentathlon, handball and shooting will be represented in Beijing this summer, and Beckford-Chambers is confident netball will be part of the main event on home turf in four years' time.

"A lot of people have joined and it is definitely worth trying as we all believe netball should be in the Olympics," she said.

Goal defence Beckford-Chambers launched her international career by helping England clinch a 3-0 series win over their African opponents at a packed Wembley Arena.

And, with the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on the horizon, she has a permanent spot in the senior team in her sights.

"It was good. I really enjoyed it and it was a proud moment for myself and my parents," she said.

"The Commonwealth Games is definitely a mid-term goal.

"There is the World Youth championships in the Cook Islands coming up, as well as tours abroad so, hopefully, I will be better prepared for the seniors as a result."

Beckford-Chambers has also been gaining useful experience as vice-captain for Team Bath in this season's Sky Sports-televised Super League.

She helped the team to third place and a spot in the play-offs.

"I am in my second year for the team and am looking to get more court time and improve my game," she said.

"The season was really good, although we lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Mavericks."

"Sky's involvement has been really beneficial as netball is quite unrecognised and now a lot more people are watching it as a result."

5:33pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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