National Director of Competitions, Tony Czifra, announced today that the following National Leagues will run from January 2003.
Minors (U13’s), Inters (15’s) and Youths (U17’s). Tony said, “These will
run on a regional basis, where each region can enter 2 teams in each grade. These can be made up from players from any club in that region,
or can be a squad from one club, at the Regions’ discretion”.

Final details are currently being worked out by Tony and the Regional Competitions
Executives, but these are almost complete. If you interested in taking
part, please contact your Club Secretary or Regional Executives.

“These leagues are essential for the development of the sport” said Tony. “It was
agreed at the last AGM, that from the start of the 2003/4 season, a player can only represent his/her country if they play in a National Competition for THEIR AGE GROUP (so a youth, Junior or Lady playing in NRHA PL or ND1
does not qualify).

These National Leagues with Regionalrepresentative teams address this and give the best from around the nation to competet, no matter what Club they are from.”

Two further league offerings are Juniors (U17’s) and Women’s tournament competitions, which will also be regionaly based, but depend on the players wanting to take part at that age group, in even just
1 squad per region – or clubs can enter if their region allows it.

“It would be a terrible loss to England to not have National Squads at this level next year” said Tony. “If the regions and players come forward for these leagues, we will avoid this.”

More details will be available once finalised by the NRHA & Regional Competitions Executives. Watch this
space!

More info:
Reporter: Kos Galtos