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The programme also 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 Championship 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 Junior EuroNations 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.

Squad 2007/8

EuroHockey Junior Nations Trophy - Women
Prague (CZE), 20th - 26th July 2008

Day 1 - Sunday 20 July 2008

12:45 Poland (A)	2		France (A)	3
15:00 Scotland (B)	2		Czech Rep. (B)	1
17:15 Russia (B)	0		Ukraine (B)	1

Day 2 - Monday 21 July 2008

12:45 Wales (A)	0		France (A)	3
15:00 Scotland (B)	4		Ukraine (B)	1

17:15 Russia (B)	0		Czech Rep. (B)	4

After watching the other teams kick off their tournament campaigns the previous day, Wales were chomping at the bit to get their Czech Republic experience underway.

Wales took on France in their first game in a rematch of the Celtic Cup clash from 2 weeks previous. With a Welsh win the outcome of the previous game the French were ready to redress the balance in this match. The French needed a point to secure a place in the top four following their win against Poland.

Wales started positively with a counter attack in the 5th minute leading to the French keeper having to make a save. Wales also gained a penalty corner in the 7th minute but the shot was saved. From then on the French took control and following a turnover ball they countered and the striker’s shot deflected up off a defender’s stick and looped into the top left corner to give the French the lead 0-1. The French had 5 penalty corners awarded throughout the course of the half but were unable to convert. Wales’ second corner went just the wrong side of the left post and Sophie Clayton’s deflection just before half time went past the right post.

The 2nd half started strongly for the Welsh but the ball hit the post rather than the backboard in the 4th minute. Within ten minute the French were back on top and beating the Welsh players to the ball. The harder the girls tried to push forward the larger the gaps for the French to counter. The French had 3 more penalty corners but it was their counter attacking which brought them more goals. With 2 almost identical plays in the 23rd and 24th minutes, the French scored a further 2 goals to effectively kill the game. Final score 0-3.

The defeat was hard to swallow for the Welsh as a win was needed to try and achieve top spot in the group, and also as they had beaten the French 2 weeks earlier. Turning the hard work into results requires greater consistency and being able to carry out the game plan.
 

Day 3 - Tuesday 22 July 2008
Rest Day

Day 4 - Wednesday 23 July 2008

12:45 Wales (A)	4		Poland (A)	8
15:00 Scotland (B)	3		Russia (B)	0

17:15 Ukraine (B)	4		Czech Rep. (B)	2

With a win needed to guarantee a place in the promotion pool, Wales knew they had to start strongly, but unfortunately couldn’t. The Polish opened the scoring in the 5th minute following mistakes in the Welsh defence. Wales did respond and came close as Charlotte Rees sent the ball to Sophie Clayton who in turn played Sophie Robinson in. More poor defensive play led to Poland being awarded a further two penalty corners and they converted their 2nd to double their lead.

However, the game really changed when Hannah Richardson received a disputable yellow card just over the half way line, and the Polish scored their 3rd. Within two minutes the Polish had four as the re-organised Welsh defence allowed the opposition attack to run round the back. Wales were awarded a penalty corner but were unable to convert and the Polish finished the half by scoring their 5th.

With their backs against the wall, Wales through caution to the wind in an effort to get a goal back early but were punished heavily when, within the first ten minutes of the second half, saw the Poland scored from three of their four short corners to take the score to 0-8. Thankfully Wales then did dig in and saw Becky Slater drive through midfield passing the ball to Alys Brooks and on to Emma Batten to put the ball in the net, 1-8. With Wales now in the ascendency, two Polish players were yellow carded within a minute and Wales made the difference count with two goals scored. First as Rees sent the ball to Batten and second from a penalty corner as the ball slipped to Clayton found Batten on the line to get her hat-trick. The final Welsh attack saw Angharad Griffiths send the ball the Sianne Robinson who found her sister Sophie and then Batten in the D again for her fourth. Final score 4-8.

A very hard lesson to be learned as the team now has to fight to remain in the division. Two games against Russia and the Czech Republic will determine the final placings.
 

Day 5 - Thursday 24 July 2008
Rest Day

Day 6 - Friday 25 July 2008

12:45 Wales (C)	1		Russia (C)	1
15:00 SF1 Poland	1		Scotland	4
17:30 SF2 France	1		Ukraine	0

Wales needed at least a point to keep their campaign alive and started strongly gaining a penalty corner in the first eight minutes. Play from then on was well balanced between the teams with Wales having the majority of possession. In the 20th minute the Welsh were awarded another penalty corner but again the ball went passed the post. Russian indiscipline earned them a yellow card. Unfortunately Wales could not explore the numerical advantage, and came under a little more pressure towards the end. Wales showed character to hold strong until the end of the half.

The second half started with a Welsh attack and were slightly unfortunate to have an opening goal disallowed. After this, the Russians pressured the Welsh and gained two penalty corners in two minutes but were unable to convert. The Welsh attack opened the scoring in the 22nd minute of the half as Sophie Robinson directed a shot at the far post for Emma Batten to claim her fifth goal of the tournament. Emma Batten had a rest following a second offence and a yellow card. The Russians stepped up a gear and the Welsh had to weather the storm. In the 28th minute the Russians converted one of their chances and levelled the score at 1-1. After this Wales regained the ascendency and were unfortunate to see the Russian goalkeeper pull off a brilliant save from Sophie Robinson’s snap-shot.

Tomorrow sees the Welsh play the Czech Republic when both the score and goal difference will be important. A huge step up for the team today. Girls followed a plan and in the midday heat can be proud of their performance.

Coach Jo Nightingale said “This was a step in the right direction. Defensively we were sound, and players fulfilled their roles more effectively. As a team we progressed today, and it is important that we continue this trend.”
 

Day 6 - Saturday 26 July 2008

12:15 Wales (C)	2		Czech Rep (C)	2
15:00 3/4 Poland	2		Ukraine	4
17:30 Final Scotland	0		France	1

With everything to play for the Welsh girls stood up to the challenge and finished the tournament with a draw against arguably one of the best teams at the tournament. With two penalty corners on target in the first nine minutes the Welsh should have opened the scoring but it was the Czechs that took the lead off a second phase ball at a penalty corner in the 20th minute. The Welsh then equalised in the 35th minute as Sophie Robinson’s reverse shot beat the keeper. Half time score 1-1.

The second half saw both teams on the attack, each with their share of chances. The Czechs took the lead again from another penalty corner but nine minutes later a Welsh counter from Robinson and Emma Batten, with Sophie Clayton drawing a defender away, saw Batten put the ball passed the Czech keeper. Score 2-2. The remainder of the match was evenly balanced and even with a minute to go the Welsh were pushing for the win. With the final score 2-2 the Welsh finished in 6th place and remain in the division for the next tournament.

Coach Merijn van Willigen commented: “We learned a lot this week, and in the end we came much closer to achieving the standard required to perform at international tournaments. The players were told some ‘home truths’ after the first two games, but in fairness to them, they responded in the right way. We are now starting on a two-year development path in preparation for success in 2010.”
 

Final Positions
1st  France (Promoted)
2nd Scotland (Promoted)
3rd  Ukraine
4th  Poland
5th  Czech Republic
6th  Wales
7th  Russia (Relegated)

Junior Celtic Cup - U21 Women
Edinburgh (SCO), 27th - 29th June 2008

Day 1 - Friday 27th June 2008

11:00 Ireland	2		France	1
15:00 Scotland	4		Wales	1

Wales started brightly on the attack with Emma Batten and Sarah Richards working to create the first opportunity. Scotland also started well and were awarded a penalty corner in the 4th minute. A bouncing first strike eluded the Welsh defence and Scotland took the lead. The next fifteen minutes saw both teams attack but neither were able to create any goal scoring opportunities. In the 20th minute Scotland hit the Welsh post and the ball bounced back out coming off a defender’s stick and off the back line. A penalty stroke was awarded but Angela Ninian in goal saved the flick and kept the score at 1-0. The Scots continued to pile on the pressure. Hannah Richardson was on the receiving end of a flying ball and when play resumed, Scotland scored their 2nd from open play in the 28th minute.

The 2nd half saw both teams start with the intention of scoring and following the Scottish 3rd goal, scored from a hit outside the D, the Welsh came close with a similar move. Whilst trying to advance up the pitch the Scots turned the ball over and scored their 4th on the counter attack. Determined not to let the Scots have another goal, fast flowing play from Sianne Robinson and Emma Batten lead to Wales pulling one back as Batten put the ball in the net. This gave Wales the momentum to stay high up the pitch and for the next ten minutes the possession was all Wales’. Sophie Robinson’s spectacular high shot was deflected over the bar by the Scottish keeper and as the clock ran down the Welsh fight back proved too little, too late. Final score 4-1.

Wales showed in patches how capable they are but full concentration, making the right choices at crucial times and improved communication are all needed when the Welsh take on the Irish in their next match.
Merijn van Willigen, head coach said “This was a real wake-up call to the squad, who needed to get to grips with the pace of international hockey. In fairness to the girls though, they responded well and improved throughout the game. It’s a good starting point for progress that needs to come.”

Day 2 - Saturday 28th June 2008

10:00 Wales	1		Ireland	2
14:00 Scotland	1		France	0

Wales started their second day early for their match v Ireland. With ground to make up from the previous day’s performance, Wales warmed up with intensity and confidence and hit the ground running when the whistle blew. In the third minute, Wales countered attacked with Sarah Richards coming close to opening the scoring. The game was end to end and following a crucial save from Angela Ninian, Wales countered down the left hand side with Elin Thomas sending the ball to Sophie Robinson who drove into the D and passed to Becky Slater on the back post to slot the ball home and give Wales a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute. Defensively, Angharad Griffiths and Alys Brooks helped Wales to deny Ireland the equaliser before half time. They held tight in the last minute of the half to nullify an Irish penalty corner.

The second half saw Ireland equalise within 3 minutes with another goal slotted in at the back post. Wales endeavoured to get the lead back but a swift Irish move gave them to opportunity to score their second goal when Wales didn’t clear their lines. Ireland played the game and restricted the Welsh play as they defended their lead. With 4 minutes to go Wales were awarded a penalty corner but were unable to convert. Final Score 2-1 to Ireland.

Progress from yesterday was clear to see and the first half performance, against an Championship division team, showed what can be achieved. Tomorrow’s game will be key, as it replicates the first match of the Europeans in a month’s time. Knowing how to restrict the opposition’s chances and close out a game when we have the lead are key objectives for the final game of the tournament.

Coach, Merijn van Willigen quoted “A disappointing result in a much better game. The girls met the challenge head on and improved their defensive play in advanced areas. Now we need to work hard at our ability to defend in the final 3rd of the pitch.”

Day 3 - Sunday 29th June 2008

10:00 France	1		Wales	2
14:00 Scotland	1		Ireland	1

In their final game of the tournament, the welsh girls were out to take 3 points from the French and finish the competition as they wish they’d started it. Another early game gave them the opportunity for a thorough and uninterrupted warm-up. Wales’ first chance came in the 3rd minute as Hannah Richardson sent the ball out of defence to Emma Batten who in turn passed to Sarah Richards. Richards was unable to convert the chance but it gave Wales the impetus to drive forward. Despite the desire the Welsh were unable to keep possession and allowed the French to pen them into channels. In the 18th minute a 2nd phase play from a French hit outside the D deflected off Angharad Griffiths’ leg and a penalty stroke was awarded. Ninian in goal, once again took the upper hand and saved the stroke, deflecting the ball round the post. Wales were awarded a penalty corner before the half was out, but their strike was deflected over the bar. Batten, up front, had the opportunity to round the keeper and open the scoring but the keeper smothered the ball and the half time score remained 0-0.

Wales had a poor start to the 2nd half after Richardson was hit in the head with the ball. France put pressure on and were awarded 3 penalty corners. France opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a goal in open play. Still playing on the back foot it was hard to see how the welsh girls were going to get back into the game. With 10 minutes to go and nothing to lose the girls were reminded of the hard work they’d put in over the previous months and when Batten picked the ball up on the right she drove with pace at the French defence, slipped the ball to Richards whose deflection set the ball up for Sophie Robinson to slam the ball home. With minutes left to play and renewed enthusiasm from both players and supporters, Wales had to defend 3 penalty corners before being awarded a penalty stroke when a French player used the back of her stick in the circle. Robinson stepped up to take the flick and duly dispatched it into the bottom right corner. Score now 2-1 to Wales. With 5 minutes left to play the girls were able to run the clock down and take the 3 points. The players deserve credit for grinding out the result and taking the win from a losing position.

The tournament as a whole will stand the players in good stead for the Europeans in a month’s time. Improved levels of fitness, increased practice of set plays and greater understanding of patterns of play will all be needed before the team head out to Prague.

“The girls showed great grit and determination to grind out a result, but structurally this was a poor game. Our turnover rate was far too high, and we need to work on our ability to come out of congested areas if we are to be successful. The training camp in Wrexham will be crucial in terms of improving in key areas and getting us ready for the European Championships in July.”

Final Positions
1st Scotland
2nd Ireland
3rd Wales
4th France
 

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U21 Women’s Management Team

NATIONAL COACH Merijn van Willigen
MANAGER Helen Bainbridge	Email:[email protected]
NATIONAL COACH Jo Nightingale
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH Scott Burnett
PHYSIOTHERAPIST Jo Carter
GK COACH Phil Edwards

U21 Women’s Competition Results 2004 onwards

Date	Competition	Opponent	Result	Venue	Final Position
02/07/04	Celtic Cup	Scotland	1-1	Aberdeen
04/07/04	Celtic Cup	France	0-0	Aberdeen
25/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Russia	3-1	Swansea	Pool
26/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Ukraine	4-3	Swansea	Pool
28/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Poland	3-1	Swansea	Pool
30/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Lithuania	1-0	Swansea	1-4
31/07/04	Euro Nations Cup	Italy	1-0	Swansea	1
30/06/06	Celtic Cup	France	1-1	Cardiff
01/07/06	Celtic Cup	Scotland	1-1	Cardiff
02/07/06	Celtic Cup	Ireland	0-0	Cardiff	3
23/07/06	Euro Championship	Germany	0-7	Catania	Pool
24/07/06	Euro Championship	England	1-2	Catania	Pool
26/07/06	Euro Championship	Belarus	1-3	Catania	Pool
28/07/06	Euro Championship	Netherlands	0-6	Catania	5-8
26/07/06	Euro Championship	Scotland	2-0	Catania	7
27/06/08	Celtic Cup	Scotland	1-4	Scotland
28/06/08	Celtic Cup	Ireland	0-2	Scotland
29/06/08	Celtic Cup	France	2-1	Scotland	3
21/07/08	Euro Trophy	France	0-3	Prague	Pool
23/07/08	Euro Trophy	Poland	4-8	Prague	Pool
25/07/08	Euro Trophy	Russia	1-1	Prague	5/7
26/07/08	Euro Trophy	Czech Rep.	2-2	Prague	6

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