On the 8th of October, Scotland’s under-20 men’s and women’s volleyball teams embarked on a journey that marked their first official international matches since the pandemic-induced hiatus. These young athletes faced their Irish counterparts in Dublin, and though the results were mixed, the experience proved invaluable as they look forward to future challenges in the world of volleyball.
Scotland Under-20 Women
The women’s team, captained by Eva Blair from City of Edinburgh Volleyball Club, faced a tough and experienced Irish side. Unfortunately, the Scots fell short, losing 3-0 to their Irish counterparts. However, the scoreline doesn’t fully represent the effort and determination displayed by the young Scottish players.
Head coach Fiona Welsh, who led the team for the weekend, was pleased with the resilience her team showed. Each of the three sets was a closely fought battle.
Ultimately, the Irish side’s ability to execute kills earlier in the rally emerged as the deciding factor. Despite the challenges faced, the Scottish team identified areas for improvement, which will be vital in their preparation for future competitions.
Scotland Under-20 Men
The men’s under-20 team faced a thrilling encounter with the Irish team, and their captain, Ewan Ramsay, emerged as the standout performer, leading the scoring with an impressive 30% efficiency in attack. The match unfolded as a back-and-forth struggle, with the Scots coming back from a 2-1 set deficit to lead 12-8 in the fifth and final set.
Hope was high for the Scottish team, but the Irish side showed their strength and determination by mounting a comeback. Unfortunately, the Scottish side was unable to side out after facing some strong Irish serving, and Ireland took the final set 15-12, clinching the victory. It was a thrilling match that showcased the talents and potential of the young Scottish team.
Volleyball Ireland
Saturday 7th had already offered the opportunity to scrimmage with our Irish counterparts with competitive sessions for both our men and women. The generosity of our hosts, Volleyball Ireland, was very much appreciated by all in the travelling party. With training facilities provided prior to each match, a nutritional workshop (led by Hannah Thornton of Next Generation Health), and the women’s side receiving an additional training session delivered by Marco Mencarelli from Club Italia. All of Scottish Volleyball look forward to our next opportunity to work with Volleyball Ireland.
Looking Forward
The men’s team now turn their attention to the U20 European Championship qualifiers scheduled for January. These matches against Ireland have provided crucial insights for improvement and areas to focus on in training. Scotland will be aiming to produce more consistent performances and make a strong impression in the upcoming qualifiers.
The experience gained in these international fixtures is invaluable, and the young Scottish players in both the men’s and women’s sides are eager to continue their journey, overcome challenges, and work towards their ultimate goal of representing their country at senior level on the international stage.
Scottish Volleyball would like to thank the athletes for their efforts both during and in preparation for the trip, the parents and carers of those who supported from home or managed to make the trip themselves, and finally the staff: Ally Jack, Fiona Welsh, Dominique Hewitson and Andy Sharp, for their time, effort and expertise.
Look out for more news on upcoming international fixtures in the near future.