· David Bradbury · 3 min read
National and Mixed League Team announcement
Team selection announcement for the 2024/25 Nationals and Mixed League Teams
Hi Royals,
Thank you all for your patience; the Captain’s Allocation & Selection Subcommittee (CASS) and I have been working hard, deliberating over the figures, and discussing who would be the best fit for each team. We’ve come to a decision that I believe will lead to a successful season ahead.
For the most part, we have tried to keep teams to a maximum of 10 players, except in cases where this was not possible due to player availability on certain dates.
With the addition of a Mixed Nationals team to our competitive roster, we have introduced the concept of a First Reserve slot. Although this player will not be part of the core squad, they will be integrated with them and have the first refusal for a slot on days when availability is lacking.
Selection has been a particularly difficult process, with 40 people putting their names forwards for Mens Nationals. This has unfortunately meant that some people have not been selected. Allocation and Selection decisions were made based on the ABC&D measure: Attendance, Behaviour, Capability, and Decision-making. It’s not over yet… I plan to reconvene the CASS for a mid-season review to readdress our decisions and consider drastic changes in any of the following areas: injuries, availability, players who have been performing beyond expectation, as well as newer players who have demonstrated the ABC&Ds. So keep working hard as things may change!
If you have any concerns regarding your selection or team allocation, I would be more than willing to discuss this with you and provide a way forwards for your competitive progression within the club.
English National League Teams
First Team (South League 1)
- Bailey Sharp-Ledger
- Ben Rolfe
- Dan Blessett-Williams
- David Bradbury
- Douglas Coumans
- Jackou Vu
- Joe Blessett-Williams
- Michael Nunn
- Pete Leighton
- Timmy Knox
Second Team (South League 2)
- Dom Waddell
- Emil Lowenberg
- Erustus “Rusty” Agutu
- Fiona Chacko
- Jimmy Hopkins
- Jonny Carswell
- Matt Millard
- Ollie Hart
- 鄭允熙 (Ryan Cheng)
- Tom Lake
Third Team (South League 2)
- Callum Judd
- Henry Penton
- India Skelt
- Jessica Crabbe
- Katie Rigg
- Maddie Hill
- Marcus To
- Ollie Grant
- Robbie Eardley
- Sam Goldberg
- Tom Hudson
English Mixed South League Team
First Team
- Ben Rolfe
- David Bradbury
- Doug Coumans
- India Skelt
- Jess Crabbe
- Jodie Anderton
- Katie Rigg
- Maddie Hill
- Michael Nunn
- Pete Leighton
First Reserves
- Joe Blessett-Williams
- Sam Orchard
Captains
As with last season, I am looking for volunteers to help in the running and leadership of each team. As Captain, you are representing the club and your team. This also comes with the responsibility to be the first point of contact for your team members, other clubs, and referees. It will be your duty to direct your team in the game strategy you want to use on court, as well as making subbing decisions. Although this can seem daunting, we recommend that you make use of the coaching team to assist you in these decisions. Other responsibilities will include organising travel and spare kit where appropriate. Above all else, it’s your job to keep spirits high and the team playing in an upstanding manner befitting the Berkshire Royals kit.
If you would like to captain a team, please reach out to me.
Thanks
This competitive season stands to be our biggest so far, growing from two regional teams just a couple of years ago, to seven teams across four league structures. This, it is all down to the continued commitment of you - the members - thank you! I would also like to extend special thanks to the volunteers who put themselves forward for the CASS:
- Jackou Vu
- Joe Blessett-Williams
- Maddie Hill
- Michael Nunn
- Rusty
David Bradbury (Club Captain)