The Scottish Men’s Under-20 volleyball squad recently made their debut in the European Championships, marking an important milestone for Scottish Volleyball. Competing at this level for the first time, the young players demonstrated steady improvement throughout the tournament, gaining valuable experience against some of Europe’s top teams. A truly incredible result given as many as seven of the squad were only identified by the newly implemented Tartan Talent Pathway at the beginning of the season.
The team faced higher blocks, more powerful serves, harder hits and a level of consistency than they had never seen before. However, their performance grew game by game, constantly improving their performance level to challenge the opposition. One of the best performances saw a fantastic third set, where the young Scots pushed the VNL star, Simeon Nikolov, and his Bulgarian team mates all the way.
Italy represented a level of consistency and speed in attack that was a joy to watch but the team continued to fight, becoming more tactically aware and quicker to respond each time something new was thrown at them.
Opposition coaches not only paid the persistent and aggressive defence from the Scottish team frequent compliments, they also enquired at which professional clubs the players were based – a truly outstanding compliment to the progress the team has made over the course of the season.
John Scrimgeour, who has been working with Scottish National teams for over 50 years, explained: “We could not be prouder of the team.
“They demonstrated all the Scottish character traits we like to see but they also achieved a level of performance that meant they were competing on merit in an elite level competition.”
Ally Jack, Head Coach, said: “What the athletes have managed to do is incredible!
“They have pushed each other to improve at every training session, and we now have to look at the successes of the programme they have undertaken to ensure the next set of junior athletes are ready for the next qualification window.”
The success of the squad was not only down to the 14 players in Greece, but the wider squad who all pushed each other to improve during the most demanding training programme Scottish Volleyball have put together in many years.
Behind all the athletes were an incredible set of parents and carers who were drivers, supporters, fundraisers and incredibly loud cheerleaders! Thank you to you all.
“When there is unity and strength, wonderful things can be achieved.”
Scotland v Greece
Ewan Ramsay – second highest scorer
Ewan Ramsay – second most attack points
Ben Khalifah – second top server
Scotland v Israel
Ewan Ramsay – Third highest scorer
Ewan Ramsay – Second most attack points
Ben Khalifah & Cole Turnbull – second top servers
Ewan Ramsay – Top Receiver
Uzair Naby – Second best receiver
Ewan Ramsay & Duncan MacDonald – second best blockers
Scotland v Bulgaria
Ewan Ramsay – Third highest scorer
Ewan Ramsay – Second best attacker
Duncan MacDonald & Ben Khalifah – Second best blockers
Adam Brogan – Second top receiver
Jack Rodger – Third top receiver
Scotland v Czechia
Ming Chang Zheng & Duncan MacDonald – Second top blockers
Jack Rodger – Top receiver
Ewan Ramsay – Second top receiver
Adam Brogan – Third top receiver
Scotland v Spain
Ewan Ramsay – Third top scorer
Ewan Ramsay – Second top attacker
Uzair Naby – Top receiver
