The final youth tournament for the 2008/9 season took place at Banbury lake on Saturday 25th April 2009. A breezy day, but at least, like the previous tournaments, the rain held off, and the event was able to start on time, although finishing slightly later than planned.

I would like to express my thanks to all the teams, coaches, referees, and helpers that helped to make this a successful tournament, and indeed, season. A special thanks must also go to Cherwell Canoe Club, for their help in setting up the pitches, and providing plenty of hot tea and coffee plus light bites during the tournaments.

I would also like to thank Glenn Summerbell, for taking photographs of the event, and publishing them so quickly onto his website for us all to share (http://photos.canoepolo.org.uk/c1688161.html).

There was a significant risk with the season, being played outdoors for the first time (in my memory), and with 9 teams in the league, and a total (over the three tournaments) of 108 matches played, but all went off with hardly any problems. Of course, like all things, the format / structure of this league can still be improved, and I have asked the coaches of each of the teams to suggest further improvements they would wish to see, and to let me know of perceived problems with this outdoor season.

This season's eventual league winners were Meridian A, with Meridian B second and Viking Youth third.

This is, I think, my final year as youth league organiser, and there will hopefully be a new person taking this role over next season. I wish them all the best, but will be available to help should they need it.

Thanks again for everone's help and encouragement.

Fran Thomson

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Saturday 18th October 2008 saw the second tournament date of the three-part youth league. Once again, this was an outdoor event, with each team plaing 8 matches during the day.
The weather stayed dry, but was significantly cooler (but still sunny) than the first event a few weeks ago. Unfortunately I didn't see anyone falling off the blow-up pontoon that was being trialled at the venue, but there were a few uncertain moments for the referees.
Attached are the results and current league table.
Thanks to the coaches, players and parents / guardians for supporting this event, and the referees for being as flexible as possible during the day, all of which helped the event to run to time. Thanks also to Cherwell Canoe Club, for providing the facility, and the hot drinks, food, biscuits and chocolates during the day.
There is a big break now (through the winter months)with the final tournament date being 25 April 2008. This event is again planned for the lake at Banbury.

See you then,
Fran

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The first youth tournament of the 2008/9 league was held today at Banbury lake. This season the youth league is being played outdoors. Nine teams are involved, and it has been agreed that league will comprise of three tournaments, with each team playing the others three times, once at each event. Today, therefore, each team played 8 games.

The tournament started at 10.00am, and was due to finish at 4.20pm. In fact, after thirty six games, the day ended at 4.24pm - just 4 minutes late!

Thanks to all the players, officials, referees, spectators for your positive attitude to the day and in particular to Banbury Canoe Club for arranging and setting up the venue for this event, together with their positive influence over the weather - a fine, warm and sunny day was enjoyed by all!

Attached are the results from the first day, with the league table attached, for those that are interested.

Thanks again, and see you all again on October 18th (more good weather , please).

Fran