Tchoukball UK has announced an exciting new competition structure for the 2011-2012 season.  The new structure will incorporate competition for developing players, regional and national competitions and opportunities to represent Team GB.

Stuart Blakemore, Performance Director for Tchoukball UK said:

"We've taken a look at how other sports of a similar size operate and this year, we're planning big.  We have competition to offer our players no matter what their level is, from the beginner right through to our seasoned international and elite players."

Richard Jackson, Director of Membership commented on the benefits for developing tchoukball:

"We've always had strong competitions but perhaps in the past, we have not been bold enough in our ambitions.  By establishing the kind of competitive tchoukball we all want regardless of ability, we ensure that our players stay keen to compete with each other.  The developmental, regional, national and international levels now exist across all our competitions, from schools and colleges to universities and senior clubs.  It's a great time to get involved."

We have competition to offer our players no matter what their level is.

The new competition structure will be as follows:

1. Development competitions / training:

These sessions will be not only about getting new players to start tchoukball, but also improving everyone's ability.  We're going to be training everyone to be as good as possible right through from beginners to elite players.  Development days can also include initiatives to recruit women players.  In more established areas the format can differ - in the South-East region, the South-East Tchoukball League will run as usual.

2. Regional Championships:

This is an entirely new stage for every region in the country with more than 1 team. The Regional Champions from this season and the runners up will then go into the National Championships next year. If the National Championships needs more teams then the best placed 3rd team will be eligible too.

3. National Championships

This is open to all clubs for the first season but from 2012-2013, just the winners and runners up from the Regional Championships will be eligible.  Winning the National Championships doesn't mean you're in the following year, so clubs will need to enter both competitions.

4. International Championships:

No full international tournaments are scheduled yet for 2011-2012 but there will be several opportunities to play abroad. International club level in Europe is very high so these competitions will be great experience.