Save Canoe Polo in the Midlands

[Ajdavis5]

:welcome: I Want all the People in the Midlands to help get this region back on track to get some teams that actualy compete since the fall of Dudley Etc. there is nothing (No Disrespect to those teams that are trying. All the players of some standard need to lend a hand with development we need to start a database of local players and teams who need this help and the players who are willing to give the help please email me if you are in need or a able to help PLEASE LETS GET THE MIDLANDS BACK ON TRACK and the region development officer could get in contact to as i have played this region for nearly fifteen years and i dont know who you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bow: Thankyou

[Mark H]

All i can say to that is there is a club in the midlands called Blakedown with alot of drive and comitment. We might not have the 'direction' many well established clubs have but we do have a large pool of youth paddlers and alot of drive to progress. We r at all the magor tornaments and if ur intrested in developing polo in the west mids i suggest u get in contact with us.

Im quite dissapointed that u seem to think there is knowone in the west midlands playing at a reasonable level. obviously u cannot build a div 1 team in a club that is only 4 years old. There are quite a few paddlers in the west mids dedicated to improving polo in this area and we have not heard anything from u so clearly u need to be carful what u say and get ure facts strait! Polo in the west mids is certainly not just about to die. hopefully ur knowledge could help others to progress!

thanks

Mark Harper
BLAKEDOWN

[Ajdavis5]

I Have been in contact with your club and even been to a session with you and would also like to know the where abouts of your outside traing site and what nights you train

[Unregistered]

Just to clarify, Blakedown play on Monday nights 5.30 (A team standard only. Div 3/4) Club night is on Friday 5.30 and on Sunday afternoon for specific team training. We now have two pitches and within a month we shoud be adding a third jetty.

Mark is right we have been playing for four years and this weekend we are in the play offs for a div 3 slot.

Generally the more help we get the stronger polo in the Midlands should become. Our Youth policy is strong and should provide a healthy flow of players for the future, something that other clubs have failed to do in the past, hence the decline of polo in the midlands. It is a dammining state of affairs when we are the only club for 70 miles offering polo to youth players.

As for a BCU rep, there is no one prepared to do the job, we cant do it all, it should be remembered that we are the organisers behind the two winter leagues!

I assume that you have my number, please call!

Nigel Elwell

[NigelPiggott]

In reply to your observations regarding the state of polo in the West Midlands I feel alittle agrieved. 3 years ago I set up and ran the West Midlands Canoe polo league, Ok it's not national league stuff but at least Dudley canoe club has made an effort. Over the last 2 years with the help of my wife and Geoff Phesey of Blakedown the league has grown to 2 divisions.
I believe that we will have at least 2 more clubs involved next season, each year the standard improves a little and has already been the stepping stone for teams to move in to the National Leagues.
In short it's easy to bemoan the state of affairs but it takes a lot more effort to get out there and do something about it.

[Ajdavis5]

I Don't just moan i do do

I am now the west mids Rep
and i have compiled a S.O.A.K Polo team wich will be entering the Midlands league.

Any help would be appreciated in futhering the midlands youth and older people contact me.

And any help you need for your teams ask as i have a pool of top players willing to help with coaching and training.


Andrew Davis

[artful_bodger]

Hi all,

If this is of any help the polo rep for the EAST midlands is a mate of mine called Paul Casson, and I will give out his contact details by e-mail if required.

Matlock canoe polo club is another good start (based in Matlock nr. Derby).

I am actually the vice chair for Lufbra Uni's canoe club, and we do indeed have a couple of teams (mens / womens / b team open). Obviously we normally do the inter-uni thing, but would be up for any friendlies!

Any offers?

Dave

[Nigel Piggott]

Artful bodger
Why stick at friendlies? if you can make inter uni matches why not consider the West Mids league? I appreciate you are in the East Mids but if you want a little more competition drop me a line on NJPiggott@aol.com

[JW Lester]

Does anyone know if there are any canoe polo teams near Lincoln or the east side of Nottingham?

Thanks
John

[artful_bodger]

Hi,

We are actually entering div 4 this year (it's about time!!), I will pass the info onto our polo sec though and I'm sure she'll have a chat!

Dav