GB Women Under-18 trialists impress

Post published February 1, 2018

Coaches Gary McCafferty and Bill Baillie held the first trials for the GB Under-18 Women’s squad on 27 January at Tryst Sports centre, Cumbernauld Scotland.

The trials were by invitation only to all UK-based players currently in clubs and born in 2000 or later. Those who were invited were either on the GB Under-17 database, or were put forward by club/regional coaches.

37 players attended the session from a good geographical spread across Scotland, and the North West, Midlands, and South of England.

Club representation was also widespread from Ayr, Tryst, Warrington, NEM Hawks, Peninsula, Cannock, Shropshire, Poole, Stroud, Somerset, Ealing, Bideford.

Bill Baillie was impressed at the level of play and commented: “It was positive to see the enthusiasm shown by the players and the parents.”

Gary McCafferty said: “Following last year’s squad achievements in Lithuania, we always knew we needed more players to be challenging for the places, and we have certainly seen that today.”

Bill Baillie added: “With a further 10 players to trial at the March camp we are building a healthy base. A priority for this group is to increase the playing opportunities for them at home and abroad".

Players from the first trial who do not move forward to the second two-day trial in March will be advised where improvements can be made. Support for them to develop within their clubs will be crucial to put them in a position to challenge at trials in September.

The GB Girls’ Under-18 programme is self-funding and any ideas, support, sponsorship for the programme is welcome. Contact should be made with the British Handball Association office@britishhandball.com