Last weekend, Oriam hosted the Rising Stars Challenge Series between Scotland and Northern Ireland. The event offered the participating athletes the chance to compete in a series of three matches but also to develop their skills under the tutelage of FIVB instructor, Chris Kröger. With a packed schedule, offering our U20 Women the opportunity to receive a total of four practice sessions delivered by Chris, each day finished off with an international challenge match.
The matches were closely fought affairs with some long and exciting rally’s providing an excellent spectacle for the Scottish Volleyball community. The teams battled hard throughout, contesting a total of 14 sets! Every set was a tactical battle with both teams showing they were capable of long service runs. In the end, the Scotland team were victorious, showing their resilience to edge out Northern Ireland in all 3 matches.
With an FIVB tutor in our midst, the opportunity for him to work with our coaches was also utilised. Whilst Chris was delivering the practical sessions, participating coaches observed the sessions which were then followed up with seminars at the end of each day. Chris focussed on coordination, variability, blocking, attacking and serving over the course of the weekend. Chris welcomed questions from our enthusiastic coaches, making the whole weekend an enjoyable and educational affair.
Whilst having such an experienced FIVB tutor delivering to our athletes and coaches is clearly hugely beneficial, it is always fantastic to see so many members of the Scottish Volleyball community. A massive thanks to the volunteers who attended and assisted with the weekend, without whom it would not be possible to deliver such events.
Thank you to Karl Gale and the Northern Ireland team for attending, competing, and developing warm friendships on and off the court; and congratulations to Fiona Welsh and her team on delivering three wins on home soil!
The weekend was made possible thanks to the FIVB knowledge Transfer Fund. Scottish Volleyball would like to formally thank Chris Kröger and the FIVB for their continued support.
All photo credits go to volleyballphotos.co.uk who we thank for supporting us throughout the weekend!
The indoor season is now around the corner, and we look forward to seeing you all at opening weekend on the 28th and 29th September!
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