Winter League
End of the year and a time for reflection and an opportunity to take a step back and see where we are going as a League. Can we continue to grow at the rate we have done over the three years that we have been in business or can we expect a slow down in interest? Who knows?
We may not have a crystal ball but we can make some assumptions and plan around those to ensure that we are not caught flat-footed by any unexpected switch in numbers. Let's start by looking at our track record over the three years that we have been in business.
Numbers of teams and divisions in the League:
Teams Divisions
2020-21 14 2 (2 x 7-team divisions)
2021-22 27 3 (3 x 9-team divisions)
2022-23 40 5 (5 x 8-team divisions)
One assumption that has to be made to ensure the continuity of the League is the number of teams there will be in the League next season. If we attract more teams then will we need a new host green to house them? That's quite straightforward. Up to an additional 5 teams can be accommodated using the same five host greens as we have now. The answer would be to build up each of the current divisions of 8 teams up to 9 team divisions. That would allow 8 teams to play every week (4 jacks on the green is seen as the optimum number) with one team stood down each week. Anything above 5 new teams would require a new host green to join the ranks.
My working assumption is that no teams will drop out of the League and that we will have 8 new teams sign up for the 2023-24 season. I may be totally wrong of course but we have to start somewhere. On that basis we will require a 6th host green and need to start talking to potential host clubs about making their green available from October to February.
Any club that may be interested in becoming a winter focal point and making some much needed income then please get in touch now. We are happy to meet up with any potential host club to discuss further and answer any questions they may have. Prior to that, it may be useful to prospective new host clubs or teams interested in joining the League to read the website posting on The Ultimate Guide to Winter Bowling. In addition a trip out to any of the host greens on matchday will give you a fair indication of what is involved and if that sort of responsibility would be within the scope of that club. A host club should expect to make between £2,000 - £3,000 profit over a Winter League season but it is the exposure that your club would gain through being involved in the League cannot be quantified or under-estimated.
Also please get in touch if you are thinking of entering a team into the League or if you are an existing club in the League but are thinking of entering another team for next year. Early indication of possible numbers helps to concentrate the efforts on ensuring that we are able to accommodate all potential teams for the 2023-24 season.
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