It comes after the Manx Netball Association (MNA), which was founded in 1984, became affiliated as a county within England Netball's north west region.

Full membership means the Isle Of Man can now compete internationally at senior level, as well as at under-21s and under-17s.

The news has been described as a "huge step" for the development of netball on the Isle of Man by the INF.

Three main aims have been outlined by the MNA.

The first is to "provide the opportunity to play netball in a safe and friendly environment".

Providing "opportunities for coaches and umpires to develop to their highest potential" and "supporting members in their endeavours to become the best they can" are the other two goals.

The Isle of Man, a crown dependency of the United Kingdom, could now theoretically compete in the netball competition at future editions of the Commonwealth Games.

The island, situated in the Irish Sea between Britain and Ireland, has competed at 15 editions of the event since 1958.

They have won three gold medals.