At the start of the 2024/25 campaign, BWPL becomes even more of an elite competition – just two divisions for women (16 teams), three for men (24).
This is a result of the phased reduction agreed with some reluctance by the League committee in 2022 due to shortage of officials. Unfortunately, it means that, in some cases, a few clubs with great records of supporting, and playing in, BWPL will soon drop out. Here’s how it takes shape:
Women: No Championship 2 (C2) in phase 2 this season. Below Super 5s will be C1 (bottom 3 Div 1, top 5 Div 2). Bottom 3 Div 2 and Div 3 teams miss phase 2. Men: No C3 in phase two. Below Super 5s will be C1 (bottom 3 Div 1, top 5 Div 2) and C2 (bottom 3, Div 2, top 5 Div 3). No phase two for bottom three men’s 3 or Div 4 teams.
What will the League look like at the start of 2024/25?
Women: Two eight-team divisions – Div 1 (Super 5s, top 3 C1); Div 2 (bottom 5, C1, plus 6th team in Div 2 this season and top two from qualifying tournament). Men: Three eight-team divisions – Div 1 (Super 5s, top 3, C1); Div 2 (bottom 5 C1, 3 from C2); Div 3 (bottom 5 C2, plus 6th team from this season’s Div 3 and two qualifying).
How does qualification work? Teams entitled to enter – Women: 7th and 8th from Div 2, top 2 from Div 3. Men: 7th and 8th from Div 3, top 2 Div 4.