This is an interesting tread that has developed albeit including a fair amount of cynicism.
Putting my neck on the block there are currently too many people seeking a slice of the UK tournament paintball pie, a pie that currently seems to be shrinking in the oven of apathy and media fueled financial despondency.
The number of organisers that can put on a decent well run event in the UK can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand, but yet, almost weekly we see 'Play This New Series' posts on here. I'm not saying that these people are unqualified or unable to run a tournament, or a series, just that the more series there are, apathetic players and teams will opt for the one that is nearest and most financially viable for them, thus diluting the bigger picture and the general standard of play. Think of UK ball as a post card torn in to little pieces if you like.
If not a national league then at least a national governing body is needed to draw the organisers together so they are all working in the right direction in harmony. We have witnessed the downright stupid situation whereby there have been two or more events this season, on the same day and in the same area competing for the attendance of the same teams.
There needs to be something for everyone, from the 'Premier League' players right down to the 'Pub Team' Players, or it will be just left with one or the other. From this a few elite teams of keen kids picked out of obscurity and drilled until they play like machines can be put up to play the European series and beyond.
Maybe we haven't even seen the best organiser and the best UK series yet, but I have been TOLD that there WILL be a National League next year, we'll wait for that to happen.
In the meanwhile UK players mostly need to get over themselves, accept that they are not going to live the rock star lifestyle and attract major (or any) sponsorship just by playing with their mates, that they have to work hard for that, and that spending their spare cash on paint and training will improve their game far more than the latest fashion accessory that makes them look so much cooler.