As part of the continued development from the past couple of seasons I am pleased to provide you with details of how we propose to go forward in 2007/8.

I am delighted to advise you that Chris White (East Grinstead) has agreed to be the Team Coach for this season.

It is worth noting that there are 2 competitions this season for the South team to play in: The Regional Championships and the British National Championships. Based upon this selection criteria is to have players available to represent the South in both competitions, accordingly if you intend to play for another team at the BNC (i.e. Wales/Scotland, etc.) you will not be considered for selection to the South Squad.

In addition we have drawn up a programme of events leading up to the championships and your commitment to attending these sessions is important.

South Squad & Development Squad

Following on from last season we propose to run both the South Squad and a Development Squad who will be involved in the training sessions and to have matches organised. The purpose of the Development Squad is to give those players on the fringes of the South Squad to benefit from the training and coaching we aim to provide and increase the strength within the squad for future years.

Selection Criteria

You must be a registered player with a SEMLA club and therein registered on the ELA database.
You must be over the age of 16 years on or before the 1st March 2008. (Please note that if you are under 16 but intend to attend the trials you must bring a copy of your dispensation form with you to the trial.)
LDO’s will not be considered for selection.
You must attend either of the trials to be considered for selection, players unable to attend these trials must advise me in writing prior to the event if you wish to be considered and reason for not being able to attend.

Draft Programme for 2007/8

This at the moment is really a draft timetable and would suggest that you put these dates in your diary and make yourself available to participate. There may be some small cost element involved and where this is involved it will be kept to a minimum and any cases of financial hardship can be discussed at the time.

Date	Details	Time	Venue
11/11/07	East Trial	10.00 to 14.00	Walcountian Blues
25/11/07	West Trial	10.00 to 14.00	Cheltenham Cougars
9/12/07	Training & Further Trials	10.00 to 14.00	Newton Prep School Please note: Asroturf pitch There is a hire charge for the field and we have secured 50% of the cost, however a small charge will be payable on the day (In the region of £2 to £3).
20/1/08	Training	10.00 to 14.00	Lambrook Haileybury School
3/2/08	Training – External Coaches	10.00 to 16.00	Walcountian Blues - in case Blues pitch is waterlogged the astroturf pitch at Lambrook Haileybury School is reserved
17/2/08	Development Squad vs Wales Under 19's	11.30	Hemel Hempstead - Penine Way, Hemel Hempstead HP2 5UD From M1 Jct 8 At the first roundabout after exiting the M1, continue straight on. At the second roundabout turn right onto Maylands Avenue . Continue down this road until you get to a third roundabout. At this roundabout turn left. Follow this roud until you reach a Fourth roundabout, where you turn right onto Redbourn Road . Pennine Way is 250 yards on the left after the Ford garage (beside Masterdrive). Via public transport Hemel Hempstead Station (Euston/Northampton Line). A taxi (£7-8) or bus is advised. Buses are frequent from outside the train station and most stop in the town centre (ask!), from where a 4 or 5 will take you to Pennine Way - Tip: ask for Redbourn Rd its better known to the drivers. Get off the bus outside MFI. Fares are around £1.50 one way.
17/2/08	Senior Squad vs LDO's	13.30	Hemel Hempstead (as above)
2/3/08	Training	10.00 to 14.00	Walcountian Blues
16/3/08	Training	10.00 to 14.00	Reading Wildcats
30/3/08	Regional Championships - South U16's vs Cheshire U16's	11.30	University of Birmingham, Metchley playing fields, Metchley lane, Birmingham, B15 2PG www.sport.bham.ac.uk/shared/shared_sport/documents/off_campus_pitches.pdf
	11.30 South Development vs Midlands	11.30	as above
	13.30 South vs Cheshire	13.30	as above
13/4/08	Training Matches - South vs T B C	Tbc	Tbc
13/4/08	South Development vs South Universities	Tbc	Tbc
3/5/08 & 4/5/08	British National Championships	Tbc	Wilmslow L C

Registration for Trials, Etc.

Attached is the registration form for this season if you want to complete the form by to the trials feel free to do so and email it to me. Alternatively, they can be completed at the sessions.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to a good year of lacrosse. As always any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Team Manager: Ian Ballantine
Email: ianballantine@blueslacrosse.co.uk