[woodcote]

I think NSR were simply surprised and overwhelmed by the response - I don't think there was any ulterior motive.

They then had to decide how to limit things and going for the first 100 clubs to apply was by far the easiest way. They don't have a big staff and a detailed appraisal of each of the several hundred applications would probably have taken them until Christmas! I guess they could have selected the 100 club from across several global regions (based on local NSR sales, maybe?) to get a more even geographical spread. Maybe next time...

Other manufacturers will, no doubt, be keeping a close eye on how this initiative pans out. There's always the danger clubs will pocket the freebies and appear to go through the motions (there's a history there), but hopefully it will be different this time. A simple local championship fitting in with the club's usual formats is a very achievable aim and understandably excited a lot of clubs worldwide.