[13 JUL 11] CRUSADER NEWS

No men's team for 2011/12 season

 

                                                    

 

 

Statement from Crusaders Managing Director Robert Dip Donaldson

Because of lack of funding, there will be no men’s Division One basketball team in Coventry this season.

I’m disappointed that we couldn’t come up with the funding. The EBL had a deadline to pay the rest of the deposit made earlier in the spring. Without money in place for another season, and with none in the pipeline, the decision had to be made, and that’s the way it had to go, unfortunately.

Over the past few months I had a lot of discussions with various individuals and organisations about building partnerships that would help with sponsorship, but we were never close to obtaining a sponsor for next season.

I’d like to remind our supporters that there is still a lot of good news regarding Crusaders. Crusader Foundation, the community and school based arm of the organisation is still making a positive impact in the community.

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Crusader Foundation, is run by Director, Scott Neely, who has worked hard to build a strong base of partnerships and resources. The Foundation has partnered with area clubs and community coaches to deliver Hoops 4 Health to 29 schools in Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire this school year.

In the 2nd year of providing a coach for Coventry University, the men's team reached the top 16 of British University basketball competition. Brian Porth from the USA did an excellent job coaching the men's team and is currently assisting the Great Britain Men's U20 team as they compete in Group B of the European competition in Bosnia.

The Foundation is now partnering with Coventry Tornadoes to form Coventry Elite boys U16's who will play in the national league this season. A trial date and venue is being set for the end of August.

Although I am very disappointed that we (Crusaders) are not able to offer a men's national team this year, I believe that we will be back on court in the future. In the meantime Crusader Foundation, the charitable arm of the club, is maintaining our profile and high standards in communities and schools.

Posted by Adam Manning.

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