Aside from all the top local players, many of the top Norwegian, Dutch and Irish players will be there alongside Zia and Ralph Katz from the US.
There seem to be more Scottish playing this year, with representatives in the Teltscher, Ash, Bowdery, Gipson, Stephens, Johnston and Barnes teams.
Disappointingly only one pair that played in the Scottish trials last year is playing in the event. I expect that time and money are two contributing factors, especially for the Scottish representatives who have to pay half the cost of playing for their country, but this is precisely the event that aspiring pairs should be playing in if we want to raise the standard of our national teams.
It is also a shame that only one Scottish junior is playing, when the English juniors have a number of teams out. I believe that playing in this event over the last three years, together with their coaching, has been a major reason for their recent successes and it is clear that they will be a major force in the junior game for some time. Scotland juniors will not be able to compete if they do not take advantage of events like this.
The team lists and other information for the event is available on the EBU web site.
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3 comments:
Well most of the reason that there are lots of English juniors playing is that if you are on the England squad lists, and partnering another squad member, you get free entry to all EBU events. I on the other hand being over 21 and finished my first degree have to pay full entry.
It causes further problems n that its virtually impossible for Scottish juniors to get a game with English juniors, as they would have to pay full fare to play with us, instead of free entry.
This added to finding accomodation and transport makes playing on the EBU tournament circuit very expensive for scottish juniors.
If i include accomodation and food, then i expect to have pay in excess of £700 since christmas to play Harrowgate, Year end london, the yorkshire congress, the ebu swiss teams and the springfours. One you add the gold cup congress and brigton you are talking at least £1100 per year. of which nearly half is entry fees.
Thats a lot of money for a junior or young professional.
I think the SBU needs to offer help for us to attend these strong domestic competitions, im lucky in that my phd stipend is fairly generous when you live somewhere as cheap as lancaster, but i know that alex is struggling to afford brighton (apparently masters students dont count as on their first degree either, though alex is still only 21 and slips through half price.
Yours
Phil Stephens
Phil Stephens
Phil,
Of course I agree.
I have no idea what the budget for the juniors is nor how it is spent, but supporting our top juniors in the stronger UK events would be worthwhile.
p
I see a Gipson on the list, so GL to you!
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