Following a decision agreed at East Anglia Premier League AGM in November 2021 to investigate establishing a second tier Premier League competition, it has been confirmed that their intention is to commence a second tier Premier League competition described as EAPL Championship (EAPL2) for the 2023 season. There has been very limited information provided to Feeder Leagues and the plan awaits ratification by EAPL which is likely to be achieved at EAPL AGM in November 2022. This offers little time for Feeder Leagues and clubs to introduce the necessary restructures that will be needed if this proceeds.

In the absence of substantive clarity from EAPL and the unreasonable speed with which they wish to proceed the Two Counties League Committee are presently opposed to the establishment of EAPL2. We are engaging in dialogue with the other Feeder Leagues affected by this plan, and also speaking to ECB and EAPL. It is clear that this proposed plan will have an impact on Feeder Leagues and the clubs who are members of those Feeder Leagues, and also logically for players of those clubs. Due to the absence of information from EAPL and their unwillingness to provide details of the proposed EAPL2 beyond broad generalisations it is not possible to undertake an impact assessment on the behalf of all our member clubs.

We are keen to have clarity around the following issues urgently as it may lead to restructure of our own leagues and indeed some amendments to Two Counties rules to protect the interests of our member clubs, and their players.
1. Intended teams to be invited from Two Counties Championship
2. Promotion and Relegation systems to be applied
3. Umpire/Scorer provision
4. Transport implications
5. Additional cost implications

It is our understanding that a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 19 July 2022 by EAPL with clubs who may be considering joining EAPL2. The Feeder Leagues understanding is that the meeting will discuss the proposals relating to EAPL2 with the clubs. The Feeder Leagues approached EAPL to ascertain whether they would be welcome to attend the meeting to listen and observe, and as a result be better informed. EAPL have confirmed that the meeting is scheduled and solely for clubs, and that Feeder Leagues will not be welcome to attend. This is naturally disappointing for all the Feeder Leagues who are seeking to ensure that the interests of all their clubs are fairly and properly considered.

We will continue to press EAPL for answers to these and other pertinent questions that may arise. Once we have these answers and can therefore provide our member clubs with a fully informed impact assessment of the plan we will communicate this to all clubs and stakeholders.

Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Two Counties Management Sub Committee