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The programme runs for two years with the priority of the first year being continued technical development while during the second half of the first year an element of tactical development will take place. Many of the players involved in this program are also gaining experience in the Senior Squad or the Academy during this first year in the cycle.

The focus of the second year is tactical development and game play. Technical development will be maintained, however, it will occur within a tactical framework. The programme allows more fixtures and ‘A’ division opponents are targeted. During this Competition year, the team will also contest the Junior Celtic Cup against Ireland, Scotland and France. The programme finishes off with the European Tournament normally held in July.

Athletes have access to a variety of support staff including coaches, a manager, physiologist, sport psychologist, physiotherapist and central support by the Welsh Hockey Union Performance Section.

22nd June 2006
U-21 Men - Celtic Cup and/or the 'Europeans' squads announced

Wales U21 Men started the season way back in December, when over forty players attended trials at WIS. Since then training has taken place in January, April and June when finally 21 players have been selected to play in the Celtic Cup at WIS and/or the Europeans in Gibraltar. The Squad is a blend of several experienced U21 Internationals together with three players who could still be eligible for the U18 Squad. The Captain is Gavin Philips with Joel Evans as Vice Captain. Next Saturday at WIS the squad will be taking on the Senior Men at 3pm in preparation for the Celtic Cup the following weekend. They are now all very keen to bring back medals from these International events.

Except where stated Celtic Cup and Europeans Squad:

Euro Hockey Junior Nations Trophy U21 - Men
Gibraltar, 23rd-29th July 2006

Day 1 - Sunday 23 July 2006

Switzerland (B)	0		Austria (B)	2
Wales (A)	3		Italy (A)	2
Scotland (A)	11		Portugal (A)	0
France (B)	4		Gibraltar (B)	1

Wales had a shaky start in this their first game of the Tournament because the Italians were able to contain them in their defending half for a sustained period. However after 15 minutes Joel Evans made a surging run down the right side which resulted in the first corner of the match. It was successfully converted by Andrew Seimann and Wales went into a 1- 0 lead against the run of play. The elation of scoring was soon put to the back of the mind when two minutes later, the Italians broke back scoring from a penalty corner. From that moment, Wales began to look more composed and played some constructive hockey. Following a well rehearsed corner routine, Mark Batemen put Wales back into the lead shortly before half time.

With confidence improving Wales began the second half with more verve and it wasn’t too long before Philip Siddorn drilled a long ball well into the Italian half. Luckily for Wales, the Italian defence fumbled the ball and Brendon Noble took the opportunity to nip in and score with a spectacular reverse shot. Wales were now in a more commanding position with a 3- 1 lead. The Italians however pressed hard again and were rewarded with a penalty corner that they converted through a deflection. Shortly after this, David Kettle in goal for Wales spoilt another scoring chance for the Italians when he met a lone forward at the edge of the circle and this was just enough to prevent the Italians from drawing level.

Wales played the remainder of the match with more confidence whilst the Italians seemed to fade in the soaring heat. Wales can be pleased that they showed more composure on the ball in the second half and came out as worthy victors in the end.
 

Day 2 - Monday 24 July 2006

Scotland (A)	5		Italy (A)	0
Wales (A)	3		Portugal (A)	1

With Welsh flags in abundance and plenty of vocal support, Wales needed to win this match to move into the top four places. Although Wales started better than the previous day, it was Portugal who had the first chance of scoring. Fortunately for Wales, Ian Ferguson the Welsh goalkeeper, gaining his first international cap, made a splendid save to thwart the Portuguese. Shortly afterwards Wales were involved in a goalmouth scramble following a quick break, but the ball failed to make the back of the net. At 15 minutes Wales gained their first corner and Joel Evans slotted in an opening goal much to the delight of the Welsh supporters. In spite of much possession, Wales found it difficult to penetrate the Portuguese circle but just before half time Paul Hayes made a break and this resulted in Wales gaining their second corner. Expectations were high that Wales could add another goal at a critical stage of the game, but a goal did not materialise and the score remained 1 – 0 at half time.

After a near escape at the beginning of the second half, Wales squandered several chances to increase their lead. Then a lack of concentration actually enabled Portugal to sneak back into contention with a goal to make the score 1 – 1. This gave the game the lift it needed and both sides started to play with greater purpose. Following a bad tackle, Wales were awarded a penalty stroke at 17 minutes and the Captain, Gavin Phillips made no mistake in putting the ball in the back of the net. Wales continued to press hard and had several further penalty corners but none were converted. In the dying minutes Wales were awarded yet another corner, and it was Daniel Berry who picked up the rebound to give Wales a 3 – 1 victory.

This was a game Wales should have won comfortably considering the amount of possession they had, but poor finishing resulted in a somewhat tense match for all concerned.
 

Day 3 - Tuesday 25 July 2006

France (B)	5		Austria (B)	4
18.00 Switzerland (B)	2		Gibraltar (B)	2

Day 4 - Wednesday 26 July 2006

Scotland (A)	0		Wales (A)	1
Italy (A)	7		Portugal (A)	2
France (B)	2		Switzerland (B)	1
Austria (B)	3		Gibraltar (B)	1

A 9am start meant an early rise and on arrival at the pitch it was shrouded in mist. For the first time in this Tournament, Wales played in cooler conditions.

The first half saw David Kettle in goal for Wales making several splendid saves both from open play and set pieces. In spite of several penetrating attacks early on in the match, the Scottish forwards failed to score and Wales then began to move forward into Scottish territory. Indeed half way through the first half, Daniel Berry eased his way through the Scottish defence to score a superb goal. This goal seemed to shake the resolve of the Scottish players and Wales continued to thwart any further attacks. Then just before half time, Daniel Packwood in defence, managed to stop what seemed certain to be the first goal for Scotland by running across the goalmouth and retrieving the ball to keep Wales in the lead. Could they maintain the momentum for a further 35 minutes?

The second half continued with Scotland trying hard to draw level. They had eight corners in the second half but the Welsh defence remained firm and Ian Ferguson performed heroics in the Welsh goal. As the minutes ticked away one began to think this could just be Wales’s day. In fact it was almost surreal, with Wales prepared to absorb all the pressure thrown at them by the Scots. At the final whistle there was much jubilation in the Welsh camp for a dogged performance by the whole of the team. In particular Daniel Packwood and Daniel Berry had superb games in the outfield while David Kettle and Ian Ferguson in goal made many memorable saves to keep Wales in the game.

Now with nine points in the bag and top position in their section, Wales face Austria in the crossover match on Friday. The players are well aware that being entirely focussed is essential in the latter stages of this event.
 

Final Ranking: Pool A	Final Ranking: Pool B
1. Wales (9pts) 2. Scotland (6pts) 3. Italy (3pts) 4. Portugal (0pts)	1. France (9pts) 2. Austria (6pts) 3. Switzerland (1pt) 4. Gibraltar (1pt)

Day 5 - Thursday 27 July 2006  REST DAY

Day 6 - Friday 28 July 2006

C Portugal (4A)	2		Switzerland (3B)	6
C Italy (3A)	2		Gibraltar (4B)	2
SF Scotland (2A)	3		France (1B)	1
SF Wales (1A)	0		Austria (2B)	1

In spite of several corners in the second half Wales could not convert any of their opportunities. They were also vulnerable to the quick counter attacks from Austria and David Kettle was called upon several times to make important saves. As time ebbed away it seemed that Wales would not achieve their objectives and it was Austria who ran out as worthy winners.

Now Wales must lift themselves for their final match against France in the 3 rd and 4 th play off match.

Pool C: 1. Italy (4pts), 2. Switzerland (4pts), 3. Gibraltar (2pts),
4. Portugal (0pts)

Day 7 - Saturday 29 July 2006

09.00 C Portugal (4A)	3		Gibraltar (4B)	5
11.00 C Italy (3A)	1		Switzerland (3B)	1
15.30 3/4 France	3		Wales	1
18.00 F Scotland	5		Austria	2

In this the final match of the Tournament for Wales, a bronze medal was a distinct possibility. Wales began much better than the previous day and were unlucky not to go into the lead early on in the match. France however scored first, while Wales were denied a penalty stroke that could have made a difference to the score line. Before half time France scored again to give them a 2 – 0 lead.

Unfortunately just after half time a defensive mistake led to the third goal for France . Undaunted, Wales continued to press and were rewarded with a goal from Paul Hayes who ran tirelessly in attack. Midway through the second half, Wales were so depleted with injuries that David Kettle, who normally plays in goal, donned spare playing kit and was soon called into action. Just after entering the field of play he made a super pass, which almost resulted in a goal. By now the French defence was not looking too comfortable. However in spite of a concerted effort by Wales , the ball failed to make the back of the net

This was a much more spirited performance than the previous day, but still not good enough to be in the medal positions. On a positive note, Wales gained 4 th position in the event, which is one place higher than the previous Europeans.

After 22 years of coaching for Wales , Steve Edwards has decided to retire. The last night saw the supporters and the rest of the staff, acknowledging his unstinting service to the game by making a presentation, which was much deserved. His experience will be sorely missed by Wales.

Final Ranking:

1. Scotland
2. Austria
3. France
4. Wales
5. Italy
6. Switzerland
7. Gibraltar
8. Portugal

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U21 Men’s Management Team

HEAD COACH Brian Hibbert	Email:b.hibbert@sky.com
MANAGER Jody Paul	Email:jip21@bath.ac.uk
PHYSIOTHERAPIST Zoe Grant
ASST. COACH Zak Jones
VIDEO ANALYST TBC

U21 Men’s Competition Results 2004 onwards

Date	Competition	Opponent	Result	Venue	Final Position
02/07/04	Celtic Cup	France	0-3	Aberdeen
03/07/04	Celtic Cup	Scotland	0-1	Aberdeen
25/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	France	0-1	Lousada	Pool
26/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Switzerland	2-5	Lousada	Pool
28/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Portugal	5-0	Lousada	Pool
30/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Croatia	1-0	Lousada	5-8
31/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Italy	2-0	Lousada	5
30/06/06	Celtic Cup	France	1-3	Cardiff
01/06/06	Celtic Cup	Scotland	3-5	Cardiff
02/06/06	Celtic Cup	Ireland	1-3	Cardiff	4
23/07/06	Euro Trophy	Italy	3-2	Gibraltar	Pool
24/07/06	Euro Trophy	Portugal	3-1	Gibraltar	Pool
26/07/06	Euro Trophy	Scotland	1-0	Gibraltar	Pool
28/07/06	Euro Trophy	Austria	0-1	Gibraltar	1-4
29/07/06	Euro Trophy	France	1-3	Gibraltar	4

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