After careful consideration, Basketball England announced earlier this month the 2020-21 JNBL & NBL non-elite season will not be going ahead. Meaning the Brent Bulls National League Programme for both U-16 Boys & Girls will have to wait till September to debut.
Stewart Kellett, CEO of Basketball England, said:
“We have taken note of the increased risk currently posed by the rate of Covid-19 and the concerns of our clubs and players at elite level and will expand the testing currently taking place to keep everyone involved as safe as possible.
“Our RTP is robust and Government approved but we believe this gives an extra layer of security.
“We have also taken the difficult decision to cancel all non-elite basketball – at senior and junior levels – for the 2020/21. We have held off from this sad moment for as long as possible in the hope that some part of the traditional September-May season could be salvaged.
“But it is clear that, with the rising R-rate, a new strain of the virus, the Government’s position on non-elite sport and half our season already wiped out, that this is not practical or sensible any longer. We all want our game back, but the stress and challenges on players, volunteers, parents, officials and everyone in the game to keep planning for a return has escalated to an intolerable level.
“I would like to thank players, clubs, volunteers, parents and officials for their patience and understanding in this frustrating, worrying and uncertain time and hope this decision allows for us all to plan and prepare for a return to the courts on 2021/22 and, hopefully before then, the option of some alternative form of competition later in the year, if conditions allow. Our aim is to work with you and plan to get ahead of the disruption curve so we can recover for an enjoyable and successful season from September.”
– Stewart Kellett, CEO of Basketball England
Brent Bulls CIC would like to thank the local centres and businesses who have supported our club through these times. Charteris Sports Centre and Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre, who have allowed access to our Juniors both Boys & Girls before the lockdown. Also, our sponsor Grey & Co Ltd who have really given us great support and feedback for our work in the community.
Club Director and Head Coach Clive Castillo added:
It’s a huge disappointment of course, but it’s the right decision. With the number of cases rising in Brent, we need to be very careful and protect each other through these difficult times. The club overall is positive, club members have been supportive and understanding and coaches remain passionate and optimistic. The coaches and I have had a recent meeting to discuss our next action points to help deliver our club’s mission statement and keep our members engaged virtually. Our focus is to keep all members ready, use this time effectively, and when the current situations start to get better, we can start running sessions and building back up to where we were.
– Clive Castillo, Brent Bulls Club Director & Head Coach
The CBL League for our U-18 will be releasing a statement soon regarding their position for the 2021 season.
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