Scotland youngsters ready for international tests
Scotland’s young hockey hopefuls will experience their
first foray into international action this year when they take to
the field for a series of matches from 6-8 April.
Scotland U16 Girls and U16 Boys development squad will both play
three international matches against Wales in Wrexham.
Looking forward to this weekend’s matches, Bill Robson, Scotland
U16 Girls Head Coach, said:
“Although we have been in training and played a bounce match
against the U18 girls, the matches against Wales will be the first
opportunity to watch the girls in competitive internationals since
selecting the squad.”
“I believe we have a strong group of players who are benefiting
from playing regularly in national league divisions one and two
each week so I’m confident about our chances against Wales. For
example, Jessica Ross played for Dundee Wanderers’ first team at
the European indoor club trophy earlier this year, which is great
exposure to a level of hockey that all these players should be
aiming to reach in the future.”
“However, the girls will face a big step up in May when we go to
Mannheim for internationals against Germany, Netherlands and
Belgium, and in June when we face England and Ireland. Therefore,
the trip to Wales is also about preparing a competitive team ready
to meet the challenges ahead.”
Meanwhile, Scotland U16 Boys will travel to the Netherlands for a
tournament hosted by Dutch club HDM in Den Haag. Their opponents
include Switzerland’s U18 national team, Ipswich College (Ireland),
Kent (England), Gouda and Ring Pass (both Netherlands).
Scotland U18 Men kick off their 2012 international schedule this
weekend with three internationals against Wales in Wrexham (6-8
April).
With the U18 side due to compete in the top European division in
Austria next summer, these matches signify the first step on a
journey that includes preparing for the challenge of playing
against some of the continent’s top international teams.
However, as Elanor Cormack, Scotland U18 Manager, was keen to
emphasise, the Wales matches are also important for preparing the
squad for this summer’s Celtic Cup competition at Peffermill,
Edinburgh in July:
“We will play Ireland, Switzerland and Wales at the Celtic Cup in
three months’ time so it’s valuable the boys get some game time in
advance of this competition.
“Whilst the Wales matches are the squad’s first opportunity this
season to experience competitive internationals together, we are
confident of securing good results in Wrexham and hope to build
towards a successful summer.”
Scotland U18 Men kick off their 2012 international schedule with
three internationals against Wales in Wrexham.
With the U18 side due to compete in the top European division in
Austria next year, these matches signify the first step on a
journey that will culminate with the challenge of playing against
some of the continent’s top international teams.
However, as Elanor Cormack, Scotland U18 Manager, was keen to
emphasise, the Wales matches are also important for preparing the
squad for July’s Celtic Cup competition at Peffermill,
Edinburgh:
“We will play Ireland, Switzerland and Wales at the Celtic Cup
in three months’ time so it’s valuable the boys get some game time
in advance of this competition.
“Whilst the Wales matches are the squad’s first opportunity this
season to experience competitive internationals together, we are
confident of securing good results in Wrexham and hope to build
towards a successful summer.”
Scotland U16 Girls and U16 Boys development squad will also both
play three international matches against Wales in Wrexham.
Looking forward to this weekend’s matches, Bill Robson, Scotland
U16 Girls Head Coach, said:
“Although we have been in training and played a bounce match
against the U18 girls, the matches against Wales will be the first
opportunity to watch the girls in competitive internationals since
selecting the squad.”
“I believe we have a strong group of players who are benefiting
from playing regularly in national league divisions one and two
each week so I’m confident about our chances against Wales. For
example, Jessica Ross played for Dundee Wanderers’ first team at
the European indoor club trophy earlier this year, which is great
exposure to a level of hockey that all these players should be
aiming to reach in the future.”
“However, the girls will face a big step up in May when we go to
Mannheim for internationals against Germany, Netherlands and
Belgium, and in June when we face England and Ireland. Therefore,
the trip to Wales is also about preparing a competitive team ready
to meet the challenges ahead.”
Meanwhile, Scotland U16 Boys will travel to the Netherlands for
a tournament hosted by Dutch club HDM in Den Haag. Their opponents
include Switzerland’s U18 national team, Ipswich College (Ireland),
Kent (England), Gouda and Ring Pass (both Netherlands).
For more information on squads and matches please visit the
following pages:
Recent posts:
- Scotland held to a draw by Canada at Women’s Junior World Cup
- Close contest but Scotland lose to Spain at Women’s Junior World Cup
- Scotland Junior Women’s Hockey Team Returns to the World Stage
- Scottish Hockey Heritage Group showcases its work at National Sporting Heritage event
- Scotland Women to face Ireland and Belgium in Dublin
- Western Wildcats move up to second in the men`s Premiership
- Sports bodies call on First Minister to deliver long promised Government funding boost in upcoming Budget as cash crisis leaves them “running on empty”
- Strategy for Hockey in Scotland - Consultation (Closing date for feedback Wednesday 3 December)
- No change at the top of the Premierships at the end of the first phase
- The ultimate Premiership weekend coming up