The recent decision at a very late stage in the season to not allow junior players to play at both region and in the Coventry & Warwickshire league has I understand, resulted in 2 clubs having to withdraw teams from the league due to insufficent players at U14 and U16. This seems a great shame. We should be encouraging girls of this age to maintain playing and enjoy netball, whilst also keeping our local netball league strong and healthy with a variety of clubs of differing strengths to cater for ALL standard of young players. The result of this decision is that 4 teams are going to region in January with no match experience for their age group. I cannot see the advantage of this ruling to these young girls within the age group of 13-16. The number of games played at region for this age are quite few compared to the league. If it is that these clubs, dare I say, are being penalised for their past success in the junior league then this is truly a great shame. Young girls of this age need to experience playing against a variety of different playing skills this would then enable them to see how they can improve their game and move forward and aspire to a higher standard. There are now a lot of junior players that are not taking part in netball for their age group on a sunday morning, I cannot believe that this is what the committe of the Coventry & Warwickshire league wanted.

Marianne

As you seem to be very well informed and have a strong opinion can you let me know which club you are with? I don't seem to recall you being at the Junior League meetings which were held to discuss this matter.

I am more than willing to discuss this matter in more detail and the league has expressed their concern for this too. With this in mind we felt that perhaps Warwickshire County would be able to arrange some friendlies for this team/girls prior to January outside of the area, as playing against a lower standard of player is not going to help them when they play at region in January!.

Also please feel free to come and sit on our committee and give up your time as all of us currently do, then you may appreciate it is not always as black and white as it seems.

Thanks

Dear Chair

Further to Marianne's comments made regarding Junior League and teams that have volunteered to represent Warwickshire subsequently not being allowed to play in the Junior League surely Marianne is entitled to her opinion on an interactive discussion forum? Not one person is questioning the dedication and commitment of our committee members that your reply infers. We are all volunteers and all work hard and have volunteered more support for the good of the Junior League.

Shelley Price - Copsewood Diamonds Junior Co-ordinator.