Youth Squads update – Flanders 2014
England’s U14, U17 and U19 youth squads travelled to Belgium earlier this month to play a number of matches against selections from Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.
England Korfball asked the coaches who travelled with the squads to share their views on the tournament.
Under 14 – Danny Miles: “I took the Academy for two of their matches during the weekend and although they lost both games I was happy with their progress, they listened to instructions and took them on board during the matches and although they struggled at times they never gave up, for their first trip I feel they did well and am sure they will take the experience with them back to training and improve for the next one.”
Under 14 – Dave Buckland: “The two games that I was involved in with the academy group i was very pleased with their development. Winning isn’t everything, working in areas such as movement, passing, finding space to shoot, timing of assist, communication, working as a unit to get the ball back and recycling the ball in attack to have 5 or 6 attempts are areas which the players worked on. It was great to see such a young group of players who in such a short period of time improve. They have a real good attitude and i look forward to watch them develop. Well done to all the children involved and it was a pleasure being your coach on the Sunday.”
Under 17 – Corinne Buckland: “For me it was the first tournament to be involved with the U17. I have been involved with the U19 for three years, looking forward to this age group. This squad is a very young one, with only four players from last year. This tournament it’s a test to play against stronger opposition and not to give up. The belief that they can do it that’s what we need to give to those talented young players. The squad had ups and downs in their performances but at the end finishing on a high with a great performance. The development of this squad is very important and I look forward to work with them.”
Under 19 – Davesh Patel: “Despite not coming back with any wins it was a good learning experience for the squad. With a fair few players having made the jump up from the U16’s last season it was a great opportunity to see how they compete in the U19 bracket. The squad held their own and it was a question of rusty shooting that prevented us from coming away with a few wins. Being so early on with our World Cup preparations the players are still learning to play with each which showed in some of our play but that’s all part of the process. Naturally there are areas to develop but the potential is there and many positives to take from the trip.”