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Haringey and New City chosen as 2019/20 co-champions

Basketball England has taken the decision to cancel the Academy and Dynamik National Schools Finals originally scheduled for 18/19 March 2020.

These events had been postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic with the possibility of resumption in the right circumstances, but this has not proven possible.

All finalists from 2019/20 will be crowned as co-champions for the EABL, WEABL, ABL, plus U14 Boys Premier, U16 Boys Premier, U17 Girls and Boys, U19 Girls and Boys Conference competitions.

Given the uncertainty of when it will be deemed safe to resume indoor sport and with the Government’s social distancing measures still in place, a final decision has now been made to avoid keeping players, programmes and spectators on hold for a prolonged period.

Players remain unable to train within their educational environments and many students have returned home due to school closures. Welfare remains a priority and with players unable to practice and remain in game-ready physical condition, this has also been a factor in the decision.

The possibility of further postponement was considered but given the issues outlined above, and programmes potentially losing players following graduation in the near future, this wasn’t considered as a viable option.

Basketball England’s Senior Delivery Manager Gail Richards said: “We appreciate that teams have put in a tremendous amount of effort throughout the season to reach their respective finals and being named as co-champions is the least that they deserve. 2019/20 was building to a fantastic conclusion before we were forced to curtail the season, and we very much look forward to what next season brings.”