News
Inter-Regional Challenge for U16 Richmond VB Girls
3 May 2010
On the 1-2 May 2010 Volleyball England staged Inter-Regional Championships at the new National
Volleyball Centre in Kettering. The qualifying event for the UK School Games is designed to be
not only a showcase of volleyball talent in the regions but also an educational opportunity for young athletes. Young
players are put through tough competition where only the skilled and fit can sustain their performance level all the way
to the end. They also have an opportunity to meet with sports science experts and elite athletes and to
learn more about the commitment required from them to get to their peak form.
This year 8 of Richmond U16 girls went on to play for the London Region in the Inter-Regionals. Although all of
them have been playing earlier in the season for Richmond Volleyball in the National Championships and attended
all regional squad training, nothing could really get one prepared for the buzz of the Inter-Regionals
and the intensity of the competition.
Team London faced the toughest opponent straight from the start. London
struggled to cope with strong services and attacks from the North West team (eventual winner of the Championship)
and gave in after two short sets (10:25; 8:25). “We sat down and reflected on what just happened
and the team came out re-focused and ready to show what they are made of “ , commented the coach Vera Kenyon.
The next two pool matches took three sets to decide a winner and were as close as they could be. Fighting spirit and
great team work allowed the London girls to generate good momentum in the first sets and to snatch the second sets in both games.
However, lots of service errors from the London side in both deciders were too much of a setback, and it was the Wales (26:24; 18:25; 15:11)
and the Yorkshire (25:21; 23:25; 15:9) teams celebrating after the final whistle.
A short and fierce warm-up before the last pool match early on Sunday morning was a sure sign that the London team was determined
to improve on their pool standing. London girls stormed West Midlands, wrapped up the game in no time (25:11; 25:11) and
secured third place in the pool.
Qualifying for the playoff for the 5th and 6th place meant that London was facing the Yorkshire team again. At
first it seemed that this encounter will be as close a battle as it has been before. Unfortunately, a slight
injury to one of the setters at the end of the first set resulted in confusion and loss of focus and London
bowed out (22:25; 16:25) to take 6th place overall.
“We were one of the younger teams in this tournament and I am very pleased with what these girls have
achieved – London moved up three places compared to last year”. commented Vera Kenyon. “
They enjoyed the whole experience and showed amazing maturity in learning from each match.
They also benefited from taking part in the nutrition workshop and motivational session with
Olympic medallist Sarah Winckless and GB Squad players M.Bertelli and R.Laybourne.”
All of the girls will be playing in the London Youth Games in June and after that will move into the Richmond summer
development program.
Richmond Volleyball Players representing Team London 2010:
A.Fokina (Captain); A. Da Silva, E.Rexhepi, J.Masselos, K. Day, B.Clark, A.Whitten, K.Miller (libero)
V.Kenyon (Coach), C.Cubillos(Assistant Coach)
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