28 March 2017

Dean Woods

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Profile: Bristol Thunder Korfball Club

  • Club colours: Sky blue and navy
  • Current League: EKL Promotion Division (North & West)
  • Location: Bristol
  • Year founded: 2011
  • Website: www.bristolthunder.co.uk

After three years on the brink of the promotion, Bristol Thunder are hoping that the fourth time will be the charm at the England Korfball League play-offs.

Established just six years ago

The club only formed six years ago and have taken great strides since then.

Bristol Thunder have been successful on the court, which has them reach the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and with one game left, a 100 per cent win record in their current Western Regional League campaign.

But club chairman Beth Ryan said the club are hopeful their experience gained over the last few seasons in the play-offs will finally bring rewards this time round.

It will be very close.. but we are confident

“It will be very close between all teams, but we are confident that in our fourth year in the play-offs, we will finally sneak over the line having built on our experiences each year.

“This is our fourth season in a row at the play-offs, having finished second, third and fifth in previous years.

“The best thing about getting promoted will be that we’ll get to test ourselves at the highest level and feel challenged in every game, knowing we will have to be at our best to get anything out of the games.”

Thunder came closest to promotion in the 2013/14 playoffs – when they finished second in a season where only the top team was promoted. This season three playoff teams will earn the chance to compete in the England Korfball League next season.

Membership numbers have tripled

Away from league action, Thunder have also seen more players representing the club than ever and an increase in members featuring in trials for international teams.

Since forming in 2011, their membership numbers have tripled and earlier this year, Thunder obtained the Enhanced England Korfball Inspired clubmark standard.

Watch Bristol Thunder in action at the LFF Korfball Grand Finals on May 6-7 at the K2 in Crawley. Click here to buy your tickets.