Post by Dave on Mar 7, 2009 10:07:21 GMT
I know many felt that playing in the Errea Cup may not have been the best preseason training and games to prepare for the start of our second season in the BSP.
Eastleigh are the first team to commit to 2009 Errea Cup as defending champions and Whilst the identity of other competing sides will not be revealed until after the closing date of Tournament Invitations, it will be eight teams in total and it seems there could be surprised names wanting to use the tournament as their build up to the start of next season.
HEATHER SCHOFIELD one of the organisers stated
"From our discussions with Devon FA and feed-back from the Football Association, it appears that many teams are considering substantially reduced pre-season travel and training camp expenditure, in light of the harsh economic downturn. Faced with declining gate receipts and reduced sponsorship, they are looking for shorter journeys and less financial outlay, especially that associated with and involving overseas travel.
I would not for one moment suggest that we are going to be inundated with requests for inclusion in this pre-season Competition, but if I did tell you the names of Clubs who have already expressed initial interest, then you would be very surprised. The level of interest after what was only the INAUGURAL year of the Challenge Cup is very, very impressive.
We are certainly delighted to welcome EASTLEIGH back to the competition; it says everything for the organisation and credibility of the Challenge Cup that they have made such an early decision without really knowing who they might encounter in defence of their title."
So should we will apply to be in in next season? it does seem that there could be some much stronger teams in it next season and ones that would give up a much stronger test and tougher games, while still enjoying all the things that Merse felt was gained from playing in this cup.
Eastleigh are the first team to commit to 2009 Errea Cup as defending champions and Whilst the identity of other competing sides will not be revealed until after the closing date of Tournament Invitations, it will be eight teams in total and it seems there could be surprised names wanting to use the tournament as their build up to the start of next season.
HEATHER SCHOFIELD one of the organisers stated
"From our discussions with Devon FA and feed-back from the Football Association, it appears that many teams are considering substantially reduced pre-season travel and training camp expenditure, in light of the harsh economic downturn. Faced with declining gate receipts and reduced sponsorship, they are looking for shorter journeys and less financial outlay, especially that associated with and involving overseas travel.
I would not for one moment suggest that we are going to be inundated with requests for inclusion in this pre-season Competition, but if I did tell you the names of Clubs who have already expressed initial interest, then you would be very surprised. The level of interest after what was only the INAUGURAL year of the Challenge Cup is very, very impressive.
We are certainly delighted to welcome EASTLEIGH back to the competition; it says everything for the organisation and credibility of the Challenge Cup that they have made such an early decision without really knowing who they might encounter in defence of their title."
So should we will apply to be in in next season? it does seem that there could be some much stronger teams in it next season and ones that would give up a much stronger test and tougher games, while still enjoying all the things that Merse felt was gained from playing in this cup.