Block out your diaries for the weekend of June 15th and 16th, because UK Racketlon brings you two extremely exciting events that both offer something a little different from the standard UK Tour tournaments!!

Staffordshire Open Racketlon Sprint Tournament – Saturday 15th June, Keele University

Firstly, on Saturday 15th June we are delighted to bring to you the Staffordshire Open Racketlon Sprint Tournament, scheduled to take place at Keele University Sports Centre in Keele, Staffordshire. 

 This Sprint Tournament is the FIRST in the world in the history of Racketlon!!!

So, what is a sprint tournament, and why should you enter?

Innovative Format:
This tournament introduces the concept of Racketlon Sprint, the first tournament of its kind in the world – featuring sets that are played to 11 points instead of the conventional 21. At 10-10, the next point determines the winner, eliminating the need for a two-point lead.

Streamlined Experience:
In an effort to speed-up proceedings, there will be no switching ends or extended warm-up sessions, with the exception of the necessary squash ball warm-up.

More Matches:
Participants are guaranteed five matches, as opposed to the usual three, ensuring ample playing time and the opportunity to compete against a diverse range of opponents in groups of six. We are definitely expecting some more upsets in the seedings and matches with this!

Accessible Entry:
Entry into the tournament is open to players of all ages and skill levels, with an entry fee of £35 (£20 for juniors), making it an inclusive and welcoming event for all.

Whether you’re a seasoned racketlon player or new to the sport, the Staffordshire Open Racketlon Sprint Tournament offers a unique opportunity to experience racketlon in a new and exciting format. In addition, it is a perfect opportunity to practice for both the county champs (see below!) and also the World Team Championships, as these are both played to 11 as well! 

To secure your place in the inaugural Staffordshire Open Racketlon Sprint Tournament, enter via Tournament Software as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Defending County Div 1 Champions – Surrey

UK Racketlon County Championships – Sunday 16th June, Keele University

The 2nd event of the weekend, also being held at Keele University, is the UK Racketlon County Championships, taking place on Sunday 16th June. The 2024 Racketlon County Championships offers players a unique opportunity to play in a team event within the UK Tournament schedule, with a mix of singles, mixed and doubles.

Defending Champions Surrey will be looking to retain their title. Will they continue their winning streak, or will a new contender emerge? Lincolnshire were last year’s winners of Division 2, but can they triumph again? Show your colours and lead your county to glory!

Defending County Div 2 Champions –  Lincolnshire

Here’s what you need to know:

Match Structure:
Each match will consist of 3x men’s singles, 1x women’s singles, 1x men’s doubles, and 1x mixed doubles, providing a variety of playing opportunities.

11-Point Sets:
Sets will follow the Racketlon Sprint format, with each set played to 11 points for added speed and intensity.

Streamlined Experience:
There will be no warm-up sessions, allowing for a more efficient tournament schedule.

Team Composition:
Counties must field a team of at least 3x men and 1x woman, with no maximum limit on players. Each team must contain a minimum of four players, of which one must be a woman. It’s worth noting that if a side contained two women, one could be nominated to play as a man throughout the match. There is no limit on squad sizes and no requirement for the four singles players to also play doubles. Team make up is at the discretion of the captain. Multiple teams per county are allowed. Any queries about this – ask James Pope at new2racketlon@gmail.com or join the County Champs WhatsApp group and ask in there!

Qualification Criteria:
Players must meet one of the following criteria to qualify for their county team:

– county you were born in

– county you live in

– membership in a relevant racket sports club within the county

– previous representation in the County Championships for that county (as long as you haven’t represented a different county since)

Registration:
Interested teams can register online through the Tournament Software website before the deadline. The team captain is responsible for entering the whole team online and will split the cost between their team. Total cost per team is £125, irrespective of how many players are on the team. 

Please be aware the usual rules regarding refunding entries due to withdrawal will apply. If you are intending to enter a team, please contact Tournament Director James Pope (new2racketlon@gmail.com)to let him know which county you will be captaining (you can do this in advance of entering). We will likely have capacity for 16 teams, playing in two divisions of 8.

Not sure of who your county captain is? Again, please get in touch with James Pope (new2racketlon@gmail.com) who will be able to assist you in finding a county, or message on the County Champs WhatsApp group! 

We can’t wait to see you all in what is going to be a fantastic weekend of racketlon, including the world’s first Racketlon Sprint Event! 

Happy racketlon-ing to you all!