It’s been ages since I have posted a blog. There has been so much happen in the last few months that I have not had any time to sit down and write about it. However, I have a day off so I am taking advantage.
So, the big news in Junior Viking World at the moment is that our first Junior player has been selected for the U16 England squad. Last Saturday Charlotte, Hannah and Jamie went down to Croydon for a gruelling three hour trial. All three trialled exceptionally well, they put 100% into everything and really did Vikings and themselves proud. The trial tested players on their speed, reaction, fitness, technique and knowledge of the game. Forty two korfball players trialled, 25 of which were girls. Pete Teague (U16 Coach) explained at the end of the trial that selections would be announced the following Friday and that although the 12 boys and 12 girls selected would be successful in gaining a place in the squad their position was not set in concrete. He is always scouting for new talent and if players are not progressing or performing then they would be replaced. Pete also said a couple of things that reiterate what we say in our training sessions. Things like, behaviour off court is always being assessed as well as the ability to listen and react to instructions. The trial was a fantastic experience for the players and for me. There was heaps of little tips, tricks and new exercises I picked up during the day. (So watch out juniors I will be putting you through your paces!)
After a trip to London (a much needed break from work) Friday had arrived. I was in the office at work and checking the E.K.A website every five minutes to see if the squad had been announced. I clicked on my e-mails and saw an e-mail from Nicky (the England Manager) with the subject heading ‘England U16 Trials’. I opened the e-mail and began to read…….
Hi Everyone,
Unfortunately, the results of the England trials will not be on the EKA website for a couple of days so I am emailing every player that took part.
The coaches would like to thank everybody who trialled and say how impressed they were with the standard of the trialists and at how hard you all worked during the trials. It has been a difficult job choosing the 12 girls and 12 boys that will go forward.
The following players have been selected
Girls
Emma Thornberg
Jess Edkins
Sam Bedford
Amy Fitch
Rosie Rice
Carina Lamelas
Siobhan Swift
Esther King
Hannah Goodridge
Syd Gore Tom Donovan
Lucy Woodham
Jessica Turner
Boys
Tom McLaren
Jordan Lown
Kieron Hicks
Adam Camies
Russell Smith
Josh Lloyd
Liam Kirby
Nic Mason
William Gosling
Tom Donovan
Ryan Medhurst
Jamie Smith
I will be emailing these players separately very shortly.
Don’t forget that Pete and Ross said that this list is not set in stone and squad members may be replaced if they do not progress or show the appropriate attitude. He also said that he would be happy to discuss with anyone personally their performance at the trials. He can be contacted on ptcitys@hotmail.com or 07850127656.
Thank you again to all those of you who took part.
Kind regards
Nicky
After reading the e-mail again, I phoned Dad and tried to read him the e-mail. I failed miserably as I was blubbing my way through the e-mail. Everyone in the office turned around and looked at me to check if I was O.K. a bit embarrassing but I was so happy I didn’t care. One of my Juniors had made the England squad!
After e-mailing and texting Andy, I also phoned my sister and Mum to spread the good news. Everyone was really happy and then it dawned on me that Jamie probably didn’t know that he was in. I was counting down the hours till I finished work, I couldn’t wait to phone Jamie and tell him the good news.
Eventually I got home and called Jamie, I don’t know how I managed to tell him without crying but I did. It was the best telephone call I have ever made.
Although the girls did not get in this time I have every confidence that they will be in an Engalnd training session one day soon. It was their first ever trial and to stand out in the mass of girls that was there that day was pretty much impossible!
I would love to take more Vikings to the trials next year, we certainly have some talent in our club that I would like to show off! I think with another year of experience, the right attitude in training and lots of hard work some of our players will be donning the England kit before their sixteenth birthday.
A massive well done to Hannah and Charlotte for doing so well in the trials (I think I would of just made it through the warm-up beofre I flaked out!) and a huge Congratulations to Jamie.
Vikings Tournament
The all the juniors played against Scorpions at the Vikings summer tournament and done fantastically well. Unfortunately I could not watch all of the games as I was playing in the senior competition but the games I did see…wow! Excellent goals, wicked team work, super moving into space and some good calling. The U11’s and U13’s both finished in silver medal position but it won’t be long before it’s gold all the way!
