England champions Trojans in European action

England Korfball’s champions, Trojans Korfball Club from Croydon, South London today (Tuesday, 12 January 2016) fly out Budapest, Hungary for the 50th edition of the IKF Europa Cup.

The IKF Europa Cup is korfball’s equivalent of football’s UEFA Champions League. The national champions from 12 European countries compete for the Alfons Janssens Cup.

Trojans have been drawn in pool C along with Warszawa (Poland) and Benfica (Portugal).

The opening match for Trojans is against the Polish champions, Warszawa on Wednesday (13 January). If all goes to plan and Trojans beat Warszawa they’ll then face Benfica on Thursday… otherwise Trojans will play the winner of Marmara University (Turkey) and Bonson  (France).

Ahead of the tournament we spoke with Trojans players and coaching staff.

Trojans KC and England senior International Kathyrn Goodridge: “We have stepped up the intensity of training in these past few months as we know we have a big challenge ahead of us – firstly beating the polish club side and then Benfica. This would then get us into the 3rd/4th play off which is our main goal of the tournament – to bring home a bronze medal.

“We also have a lot of strength and depth in the squad this year – and rolling subs will aid our performance in this tournament. We are looking forward to a successful tournament for Trojans KC.

Trojans top male goal scorer so far in the England Korfball league, Tony Woodvine said: “Team spirits are good and with a strong training weekend with a solid win Sunday [Nomads 13-23], I feel we have a good chance to bring home the bronze.

“Even though this is my 9th consecutive Europa Cup the buzz to play and the atmosphere is still like the 1st”

Trojans KC’s Head Coach, Gary Brooks: “We have to win both our pool matches versus the Polish and Portuguese champions on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The crossover semi-final on Friday could see us play Belgium champions, Boeckenberg. With Saturday’s final a medal is then there for the taking.

“We’ve trained for this tournament the team has both the experience and ability to achieve our medal objective.

“Representing your club and country is the pinnacle of a player’s career.”

All the matches from the Europa Cup will be streamed live on www.worldkorfball.org and through the IKF’s YouTube channel.

Good luck to coach Gary Brooks and Trojans Korfball Club!