So, the U11′s and U13′s done very well yesterday especially considering we had people playing up and down to fill in gaps, borrowed form other teams and played some games with only six players in our team.

Lee was in charge of the U11′s and Andy the U13′s. Both teams had their ups and downs throughout the day but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and learnt a little bit along the way.

My personal highlights were….

* Taylor’s constant smile.

* The amount of parents coming along to support and getting so involved on the sidelines. (It makes a change for others to be shouting at the ref!)

* Ant’s free pass in the first game.

* Robyn getting female MVP two matches in a row.

* Rory working our kit ghetto style.

* The U13 boys making friends with other teams. (I say ‘making friends with other teams’ when really it was just one team and one particular girl…..those boys certainly don’t need a Cilla!)

* Winning our last game against a team 4-2 when we were two players down.

Although a very long day I enjoyed it. Today I find I have a sun-burnt nose and a horrible horrible sore throat (still it proves I was there!)

Thanks to everyone who came along to support and well done to those who played. Oh and a message for Robyn and Melissa: I promised you that I would put you both in a division together to try and pair you up in training more, now I have it plastered on my blog I will definitely not forget!

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!

As we were walked up to the entrance Dad (Lee) said to me ‘just turn around’ I did, and saw an army of very smart Korfballers ‘ooh-ing’ over the flamingos in the grounds.

I had warned the team that the sports hall was a lot bigger than they were used to but my warnings obviously had not prepared them as they looked over the viewing balcony with mouths open. I could tell some of them were nervous but nerves were put on hold when Ant distracted everyone with a bleeding head!

Ant managed to hit his head on the corner of the spectators bench (playing basketball!) I had a look at his head and it did not look bad, just a scratch and Ant said he felt fine. He had an ice bag on his head for a good 15 minutes and still felt up for some korfball. (We will continue this story a bit later)

Our first match was against Nomads. (I should point out that we were put in the morning pool against some very good, experienced teams: Nomads, Kingfishers, Invicta and WLW. We did have the choice to go go into the afternoon pool but I wanted to go out in the evening. Selfish but I’m the coach so I get to call the shots! mu-hah!) Our play was not the greatest. We were making silly mistakes which Nomads took advantage of. However we did manage to get a goal in the last minute of the game courtesy of Jamie Cranwell. Final result 8-1. I put our first game down to nerves. We did not gel on court everyone was rushing their passes and shots – it was a bit scrappy. I took everyone upstairs and Andy and I done a little team talk. After a game break we were up against Kingfishers.

Although we slowed our game down and played at our own pace we were still not working as well as we have done in previous tournaments. Charlotte managed to slot in a goal for us but again the score was an 8-1 loss. (Kingfishers went on to qualify for the finals so it’s nice to know that we can still score against the potential winners!)

After lunch, a change of shirt and attitude, Vikings were ready and hungry for a win. Invicta went 1-0 up in the first few minutes but Vikings were focused and kept attacking hard. It paid off as Jamie Smith scored a short shot making the score level. Vikings kept their foot on the gas and started to play as a team. It was the sort of korfball that us coaches on the sidelines recognised. The tactics they had learnt in training were finally being showcased and they were showing the crowd what they were made of. Unfortunately we slipped up on the defensive side letting in a goal that would give Invicta the game 2-1.

Although everyone came off the court deflated (who could blame them after losing when they had put in such a good performance?) after a quick team talk they were ready for the next match. Vikings started how they ended the last game. Using their heads and playing tactical korfball. We must have scared them as the WLW coach (who normally sat quietly on the bench) was up, walking along the sidelines shouting at his players. We had some lapses in concentration in defence and WLW made sure they converted. Final result 6-0 to WLW. The end score does not show how we played. Vikings continued to try their hardest throughout every match no matter what the score. Not many teams in the country would continue with 100% effort when their 6-0 down. But we did!

Ants head Update: One of they boys said ‘Mo, Ants head is still bleeding’ I had another look at it and it made me go a little light headed. It seemed it was slightly deeper than a scratch! I went down the reception and asked for second opinion. (I am first aid qualified but have not had to deal with anything other than blisters and a nose bleed before.) Ant assured me that he felt fine and was fit to play on. I phoned his parents to see what they wanted me to do and they were quite happy for Ant to continue to play. So he did.

So, we had 4 defeats. Sounds bad but wait, there is plenty of good news……..

* Vikings had numerous comments on their kit throughout the day ‘oohhh, I like their kit’, ‘I love the gold on that black’, ‘That’s a cool kit they’ve got there’ all comments I overheard. We did look smart. (I will be putting team photo’s on the website and add the link here later)

* Vikings improved their performance in each game and proved that there is korfball talent outside of London and Kent areas. Throughout the day both Dad and I received compliments on the team from ref’s, other coaches and korfball peeps.

* Vikings learnt heaps. It was great a opportunity for us to play against people the same age and see who we will be up against in the future.

And now for the best bit……

* Jamie Smith won the Male Most Valuable Player Award!
Jamie played fantastically in every game and put in 100% effort. If there was a lose ball Jamie would sprint to get it, If there was a long ball coming in he would jump as high as he could to catch it, he called as loud as he could and was always encouraging the team. Jamie’s award is the first thing Vikings have won and I am so pleased he has been recognised for his game play as he is a team player, always tries hard in training sessions and it’s obvious he loves the game.

The bus ride home in a nutshell:
McDonalds. Throwing chips at Andy*. ”Let’s all laugh at [insert name], Let’s all laugh at [insert name] la la la la- hey, la la la la.”(sung to the tune of let’s all do the conga). Toilet break at the services. Throwing a pine cone at Andy. Andy moving to the back to keep an eye on the boys. Jamie pulling a mooney. And a possible new korfball couple?

* Jamie protested his innocence when Andy said ‘Who threw that?’ Jamie said ”It weren’t me I ain’t even got any chips!” I looked round to see Jamie eating chips!

The U13 Championships seemed aggggges away and now we only have one training session left. Eeek! There’s so much to do and so little time to do it in. My players I think are pretty much ready, there’s not much that fazes them. But there is still quite a bit of organising to do (permission slips and monies to be collected, mini bus and meeting up times to be confirmed, kit to be handed out…) There is so much organising for just one day of Korfball. It is hard work. Thank goodness I have friends and family taking on board some of the load!

Right, I’m off to finalise tonight’s training plan.

I’m Mo and this is my brand new blog space. I have created this to enable me to keep you updated with my plans, ideas and feedback on all things related to Viking Juniors.

A bit about me: I have been playing Korfball for 11 years (although I don’t really like to admit it as 1) it makes me feel old and 2) you would expect me to be quite good at it by now! I have been coaching juniors for over a year (at after school clubs) but have been coaching the Viking Juniors since Vikings were set up in September 2006. Why I volunteered for the Junior Coach position I will never know. I’m not famous for my love of children, infact I normally go out of my way to avoid them. If I hear a baby cry in a restaurant I roll my eyes and if I see a kid throw a tantrum mid aisle in Tesco’s I will ‘tut’ loudly. However I know why I have continued to coach….It’s very rewarding.

There are moments in training when I feel like banging my head against the wall and quietly weeping, then there are the moments when I feel like jumping up and down with pure joy….

When a player scores a goal or wins their first game of ‘killer’, when a division starts doing 4-0 in a game without me shouting at the sidelines at them to do so, when a free pass is set up in less than 4 seconds, when I see players high five each other on court for some good team work…..just a few of the things that have made me smile during my short time coaching. Of course there are the downsides as well…

The long coach rides up to Norwich. Now you may be thinking ‘Well Norwich is not far away from Ely’ and you would be right however let me assure you that it feels like a 6 hour journey when there’s a constant chant for ‘Burger King’ and you have to avoid the sweaty sock thats been found at the bottom of Colins* kit bag and is now being thrown about. When you have to stomach the cocktail of smells of packed lunches swooping around the mini bus at nine in the morning. Then of course there’s the worry that one of them may strain a muscle in their finger (have you seen the speed of a teenager text? There is just a blur of digits above the keypad of their mobiles.) But the biggest downer of all, for me, is the early morning starts. I don’t mind getting up for work but on the weekends? That must have been written in the small print! I don’t think I would have signed up had I known that I would have to set my alalrm Saturday night for it to go off at 7 a.m. the next morning (thats right you didn’t mis-read it A.M)

My Sundays are precious. After years of practice I have mastered the perfect routine for my Sundays. (Wake-up to the smell of a roast dinner, watch T4, eat lunch, sleep a bit more, watch a film, plan junior training for Monday, sleep. Perfect.) My point is that this Korfball coaching lark has to be pretty darn rewarding for me to give up my Sunday.

When my alarm goes off I mutter, curse and stagger my way into the bathroom, but when I see my team all in their matching kit start playing good Korfball and then score, it is all worth it. Sounds cheesey but it’s true.