NATIONAL FRIENDLY LEAGUE
FRIENDLY FIVE posted 12 November 2013
Five clubs are reported to have expressed an interest in competing in the proposed Friendly League. When applications closed earlier in the week five teams, Bury, Coventry, East Park, Hethersett and Leicester, had signalled their interest in the new competition.
NEW FRIENDLY LEAGUE LAUNCHED posted 10 October 2013
A new national cycle speedway league has been launched but it will be a league with a difference!
The new league, which has been set up to provide more racing for non-Elite League clubs, will have no pre-set fixtures and there will be no league table.
Announcing the introduction of the National Friendly League, British Cycling explained that after canvassing clubs earlier in the year, there was little interest in setting up a formal National League under a traditional league format and rules. However a far more positive response was received regarding the setting up of National Friendly League for 2014.
The main purpose of the NFL is to give non-Elite League clubs and their riders a greater experience of competition in an Elite League environment without with many of the demands that link to such a competition.
The National Friendly League will allow clubs who sit outside the Elite League to arrange challenge matches against other clubs from outside the Elite League. As there is no league format and no concrete fixtures, the NFL will allow clubs to pick and choose the amount of additional matches they compete in outside of their regional league racing.
Fixtures will take place on both Elite League race days and on free regional league dates as agreed directly by those clubs involved. The rational for the NFL is to provide an opportunity for non Elite League clubs to increase the amount of racing they have, as and when it suits them.
The league format will mirror that of the Midland League Division Three, where clubs are awarded points on their point difference, rather than being given points for winning matches.
Fixtures are expected to be home and away, with an optional second team match if both clubs agree. Matches can take place on either EL race days or on free regional dates as and when these dates are available for teams to race. Matches will use the current Elite League formula, 18 heats with eight-a-side with optional nine and ten reserves.
The only Elite League riders permitted are those on a first claim with the NFL club, who hold an Elite League licence. NFL clubs can sign up to three non-Elite League riders to race in their team, on a NFL licence, and must be declared by 1 March. Clubs may not use riders specifically flown in from abroad to ride. All fixtures should be advised to [email protected] insurance purposes and for inclusion in the BC website calendar.
Home clubs will be required to provide a referee, public address system, refreshments, pits marshal and first aid.
Clubs interested in joining the league should contact Ian Grange at
in the first instance. Applications to join the league close on 8 November 2013.
NEW FRIENDLY LEAGUE AT THE LAUNCHPAD posted 29 September 2013
With the chequered flag still to fall on the 2013 Elite League season, plans are already taking shape for next years competitions, including the introduction of a new national league.
Although merely speculation at the moment, it is widely thought that Birmingham will dip out of Elite League racing next year, their place in the top tier being taken by Newport.
However Birmingham are being linked with the National Friendly League, a new competition primarily for clubs looking for more competition outside their region. It is thought Birmingham, Coventry, East Park, Hethersett and Leicester have shown an interest in the fledgling competition.
It is proposed clubs will arrange home and away challenge matches to suit their needs, primarily on Elite League match days.
A formal announcement, setting out the criteria and rules, will be issued by British Cycling soon.
COVENTRY CHAIRMAN IN NATIONAL LEAGUE CALL posted 29 May 2013
Coventry chairman Dave Foster has called for the formation of a new national league in 2014 for aspiring and progressive clubs who seek more racing.
It comes as the Coventry club, on the back of a terrific revival, have found that just competing in regional competition has left them woefully short of matches. With an array of highly promising teenagers, and an wholly owned asset list of over 20 riders, Coventry are desperately short of matches.
The Godiva city side were let down on two of the last three Sundays by cancellation of confirmed dates. They have now contacted a number of clubs, including Wednesfield, Sheffield, Hellingly and Hull for possible additional fixtures.
Coventry have already entertained Edinburgh and enjoyed terrific home and away matches with East London. Their juniors are shortly to be in action at south coast glamour clubs Exeter and Poole in June.
Dave Foster said: "We have found ourselves with a squad of super keen riders, with bikes - but sadly too few matches to cater for them. Last year, a new national league was being touted, Premier, Elite League 2, call it whatever, and in our view this needs to happen.
"Of course, we are not talking Elite League rider strength here, nor any of the over the top criteria, but a properly organised additional UK league, with minimum requirements of say programmes, PA, refreshments and a good minimum standard of presentation would be ideal.
"We would like to see this new league being restricted to teams who have their own riders. Straight away, one could see an exciting potential new league of say Bury, Stockport, Newport, Exeter, Leicester and Coventry, as examples, providing much needed extra racing for these progressive clubs.
" A five team league would provide an additional one match per month and help plug gaping holes in fixture lists", concluded Foster.
Coventry would like to thank Wednesfield Dragons for agreeing to host them this Sunday, 2nd June, at Ashmore Park, 2pm start.
TOP TIER CONSULTATION BEGINS posted 14 December 2012
The consultation about proposals to introduce a second tier national league in 
2014 have begun.
Earlier today Ian Grange (pictured), who has been tasked by British Cycling with developing top tier league racing, emailed club secretaries and other leading officials to explain the initiative and canvas the views of clubs who may be interested in competing at national league level.
I am keen to identify, and work with, any other clubs who would like to make the transition into top tier league racing, adding to the competition they currently compete in within their regions explained Ian.
Clearly consultation with clubs is at the top of Granges agenda suggesting that any outcomes must be customer driven and meet clubs needs.
As to what competition any potential new clubs may enter into, to be completely honest Im reluctant to be prescriptive as to what the league format would be at this current moment in time. I want to take the time over the next few months to consult all current Elite League clubs, potential new clubs and current competing EL riders to ensure the top tier league format we implement from 2014 onwards is both
needs led and sustainable.
I am fully aware that I am asking clubs to potentially express an interest in a competition for which they dont know what the exact format looks like, but I need to form a base for this project to enable me to move forward. I want to work on the basis of understanding demand before producing a product.
Grange has not been slow in seeking views including those of experienced Elite League riders like Steve Harris and Lee Aris to get their thoughts on the future.
I will be working with both riders, together with a few more, to utilise their experience and knowledge to shape the league format explained Ian.
Grange is now seeking the view of all clubs, particularly whether or not they would be willing and are able to support a first team and combination league competition, or just a first team competition. However he was at pains to point out that there is no expectation on clubs to commit at this stage.
Clubs will not be committing to anything concrete at this stage, but will be giving me an indication as to what clubs could be racing in the top tier in 2014, which will certainly give me a platform to build from he explained.
I fully intend to ensure the decision in terms of the top tier league format from 2014 is both needs led and sustainable. I have to get this decision right to ensure we have a top tiered competition that can last and develop for many years to come whilst producing elite level cycle speedway racing, and I fully intend to do this promised Grange.
I would like clubs to email me on [email protected] by 11th January 2013 to express an interest in racing in top tiered racing in 2014 concluded Ian.
