Team England Trials - Sunday 6th November

Team England Trials

In preparation for an International game between England and Scotland in the Youth Division, ages 16-19, Team England held their Trials on Sunday (7th Nov), at Horspath Sports Ground, Oxford, the international is due to take place at Moor Lane, Birmingham on Sunday November 27th 2005.

96 players from more than 25 teams right across England braved the bad weather to be taken through their paces by a squad of coaches drawn together from BYAFA, BAFL and BCAFL.

The Coaching staff, led by head coach Warren Smart, were greatly impressed by the levels of commitment and ability of all the players on show. "Of the 96 players taking part not one was out of place or didn't deserve to be trying to represent England" Said Coach Smart. It all bodes well for next years BAFA, National Programme, GB Lions who are looking to compete in the European Junior Championships (EJC) with a combined squad drawn from both Team Scotland and Team England and the future of BritBall in general.

55 players have now been selected to go forward to the Residential Camp to be held over the weekend of 19th - 20th November, again at Horspath, Oxford.

Any coaches interested in either observing or helping out should contact Assistant Head Coach Damon Kirby on damon.Kirby@roundcube.co.uk

The squad selected to represent Team England will report on Saturday 26th with the international itself kicking off on Sunday 27th in Birmingham.

Coach Smart wishes to thank the support of many people to making the first leg of this years Team England programme event successful. Coaches, administrators and support staff.

It is not too late for players to register their interest in the National Programme with a view to the 2006 EJC. Players are asked to register with Gary Whitfield on thundergaz@aol.com

Further information on Team England can be found on  www.BYAFA.org.uk

Gary Whitfield

Manager

Team England

The full address is:

It is South East of Oxford.

https://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?client=public&db=pc&addr1=&client=public&Submit.x=25&addr2=&advanced=&Submit.y=7&addr3=&pc=OX42RR&quicksearch=OX4+2RR

The Coaching squad for Team England is as follows:

Head Coach – Warren Smart (National Programme)

Asst Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator – Damon Kirby (Bristol Aztecs Youth BYAFA)

Defensive Coordinator – Franco Arellanos (London O’s Youth BYAFA)

Special Teams Coordinator – Roger Smithies (National Programme)

Offensive Line Coach – John Hill-Paul (Sussex Thunder BAFL)

Backfield Coach - Dave Barham (Essex Spartans Youth BYAFA)

Receivers Coach – Ben Herod (Bristol Aztecs Youth (BYAFA and BAFCA Coach of the Year)

Defensive Line Coach – Bob Matthews (National Programme)

Linebackers Coach – Greg Crease (BAFA)

Defensive Backs Coach – Jim Blinkhorn (BAFA)

Assistant Coach – Mark Hopkins (National Programme)

Assistant Coach – Simon Hatcher (National Programme)

Assistant Coach – Geoff O’Driscoll (London O’s Youth BYAFA)

Assistant Coach – Sean Lockwood (Norwich Devils Youth)

Assistant Coach – Gary Whitfield (Sussex Thunder BAFL)

Team Managers – Roger Smithies and Gary Whitfield

Physiotherapist – Matt Taylor and team from Response Physio Limited https://www.responsephysio.com/