As reported in a previous article (see the link below) the NRHA is keen to invite applications to join the Premier League and ND1 to add to the teams already there.
“As this season there is no relegation or promotion, any team willing to honour the committments of either league (Tournament or Home/Away Basis) will be welcomed.” Said Tony Czifra, Competitions Director fo the NRHA. “Once we have established our competitive structure again, entry to these leagues will be from the bottom only, as we fight to get promoted, or avoid relegation.”
“There seems to be a big push both nationally and regionally for new teams in leagues” said Tony Czifra. In the Northern Counties, Peter Lonsdale (NCRHA Comps Director) reported that a Ladies Senior Team will be entering the Elite League, and also a very welcome return to Spectrum Seniors, to compliment the 6 other senior teams entered.
In SECRHA, Carlos Ismael is spearheading a recruitment drive (focused onMaidstone initially, then the whole of SECRHA) to ensure a steady influx of new talent is brought through in a structured way.
In the South West, Paul Williams is discussing with the Plymouth Council a plan to have a new open air purpose built Rollr Hockey Rink (a new Peir and 3 team rivalry on the way? We can only hope so!).
Nationally, an application has been made by a Club (affiliating shortly) to be based in London, to join the Premier League. All current Premier League teams and 9 out of 10 ND1 teams are expected to re-join the league.
Another application is expected from an ECRHA based Club to join the Top Flight, giving a fantastic boost to the region to have a second Premier League Outfit there.
Additionally, as reported previously, Nathan Ing has re-surrected the Leighton Buzzard Roller Hockey Club, and will be competing in ECRHA next season, and possibly also National D1 (he is looking for more players!).
In the Northwest and Northeast, Manchester and Middlesbrough are talking to local communities interested in setting up their own clubs – early doors yet, but steps are being taken, and time will tell. These clubs are looking to help these little groups set up as new clubs instead of incorporating them into their own clubs’, to make sure more competition in the region starts to grow.
So all in all, the growth we must achieve if we are to become a force in UK sport IS HAPPENING. The wheels are slowly beginning to turn, people are returning to the sport, the kids are loving playing in the leagues and staying with us instead of going to play something else………..
The Future of Roller Hockey is bright, and the Future is England!!!
More info: League Entries Article
Reporter: Tony Czifra
