Ulster ‘Futures’ Squad going from strength to strength
Nineteen enthusiastic children attended the recent Ulster ‘Futures’ Squad Training camp at Banbridge TTC with children ranging from 8-12 years old under the guidance of 4 current Ulster coaches, Gervis Knox, Arnold Morgan, Philip Jamison and Amanda Mogey. Players have been identified throughout the season from schools, regional squads and tournament results from all corners of Ulster with players ranging from Belfast, Ballymena, Broughshane, Newtownabbey, Cavan, Monaghan, Banbridge, Donegal, Coleraine and Islandmagee completing the squad.
This squad is catered towards those players who have the potential to represent Ulster or Ireland in future years and is the first step on the performance pathway to achieving this goal. The squad meets on a monthly basis and the progression in these players is clear to see with players improving at a rapid rate from one session to the next.
The players trained for 4 intensive hours, with every player getting a chance to do multi-ball to refine techniques, improve footwork and improve reaction times. Players also had the chance to play with high quality sparring partners. The main theme of the day was to improve consistency, work on footwork, refine techniques and ultimately to enjoy their table tennis! Players also had the chance to work on their fitness levels through a series of agility exercises and sprints.
A small competition was held for the last hour of the session with Castlerahan’s Jason Zhang winning the boys event defeating team mate Daniel Murdock, and Monaghan’s Lydia McConkey winning the girls event defeating the much improved Emma Wylie from Banbridge.
The next session will be held in March, and selected players will be notified as soon as possible.
If you know any players aged between 7-12 who are of a relatively good standard who would be interested in attending this monthly squad, please contact the Talent ID Officer Amanda Mogey who will arrange for a school or club visit to carry out an initial informal assessment.