CLUB WITHDRAWS FROM EUROPEAN CHAMPION CLUBS CUP

In 2010 the Women's team was successful in achieving promotion in the European Champion Clubs Cup by a convincing victory in the 'B' division in Berne, Switzerland. This qualified us to represent Great Britain in 2011 for the 'A' division final after again winning the Premiership title of the UK League.

Normally it is practice to be contacted by the European Federation in December, followed by the usual formalities in January. This year no such action took place and through UKA we requested information for the proposed competition due to the long and detailed planning required.

February and March went by and despite our persistence for definite news all we heard was that no venue had been found, mostly due to the general economic situation.

April arrived and we emphasised it would be impossible for us to proceed unless matters were quickly resolved. Ultimately we established a deadline of 23 April and as there was no response by that date, with the approval of UKA, we consequently withdrew.

Unbelievably towards the end of the month we received word that the competition would now go ahead in Portugal, 28/29 May and more details would follow. In fact the first official invitation was not received by us until 2 May, making it far too late for team selection and travel arrangements where flights to Portugal were extremely difficult and expensive for the bank holiday weekend.

Accordingly we confirmed our withdrawal and received the following statement from the European Federation: "Of course we are aware of the difficulties encountered by the clubs due to

the late allocation of the event and really hope you would be able to take part next year."

The whole affair has been stressful, annoying and time consuming and I share the athletes' disappointment at the unavoidable outcome.

(Eric Hughes Women's Team Manager)