Trials for Ireland’s Youth National Team Training Squad have been announced.
Players born in 2007,2008 or 2009 are invited to attend sessions in Mountrath (Boys on Sat September 28) and Ballinasloe (Girls Sun September 29th).
Players born in 2010 and 2011, will be invited to Regional Development Centre open evenings on Tuesday October 8th (West, Ballinasloe), Wednesday October 11th (South, Riverstick Cork) and Friday October 11th (East, Maynooth). More details on the RDC programme will be announced next week.
There is a €10 fee for attending the trial.
Details:
*Boys Trials*
📅 Date: Saturday, 28th September
🕙 Time:
– 10am-2pm (DOB 2007 & 2008)
– 2pm-6pm (DOB 2009)
📍 Location: Mountrath Community School, Dysartbeigh, Mountrath, Co. Laois
[Google Maps link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRXE4YJQuUKsZS169)
Register Here > https://volleyballireland.justgo.com/Workbench/i/r/EventsAndBookings/details/CB8E6E3A44176675CE67ADB5953D1A93575B221F/
*Girls Trials*
📅 Date: Sunday, 29th September
🕙 Time:
– 10am-2pm (DOB 2007 & 2008)
– 2pm-6pm (DOB 2009)
📍 Location: Ardscoil Mhuire, Mackney, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 CP40
[Google Maps link](https://maps.app.goo.gl/C2qr1qFm8wVrJ2QZA)
Register here > https://volleyballireland.justgo.com/Workbench/i/r/EventsAndBookings/details/CB8E6E3A44176675CE67ADB5953D1A93575B221F/
Once you register you’ll be sent a detailed google form to complete before the trial.
What’s involved in the trial?
Players will take part in some technical Volleyball drills, games and physical fitness tests. The trial is overseen by three coaches, who’ll form the selection panel.
What should I bring?
Bring your normal Volleyball training gear plus water and a healthy snack.
What happens if I’m selected for the YNT?
Based on feedback from players, YNT training will move to weekly sessions, focusing on physical conditioning and technical skill development. The weekly sessions will be held in regional locations; West (Tuesdays, Ballinasloe), East (Fridays, Maynooth), South (Fridays, Riverstick Cork). The YNT will also train for a weekend every month in a centralised location. The monthly sessions will focus more on tactical and game management training.
All attendees will be notified on the outcome of the trial by October 4th. Weekly sessions will begin week commencing October 7th.
What else is involved in the YNT?
YNT athletes will be expected to follow a Strength and Conditioning plan and nutrition advice. There will be periodic online video review sessions and learning workshops with guest speakers such as international players. You may be selected to attend international tournaments or training camps.
What tournaments do Ireland’s YNT compete in?
Typically, Ireland play in annual Small Countries Association Championships, as well as invitational competitions in places like Italy and Portugal. There is also an annual St. Patrick’s Challenge match with Northern Ireland. Every two years, Ireland compete in the European Championship zonal qualifiers. And now and again, we may host major events like the u20 European Championship finals.
Is there a cost to play on the YNT?
Yes. If selected for the YNT there is a domestic training fee of €500, which can be paid in 5 instalments. This covers weekly training sessions x 20, monthly training days x 18 and an overnight residential training weekend (end November). You’ll also be provided with training kit. Trips abroad or residential camps in Ireland are priced seperately. Volleyball Ireland subsidise the cost of the Youth National Team programme.
What if I’m born in 2010 or 2011?
Take part in the Regional Development Centre. Our coaches will be constantly looking for players that are able to join the YNT. Early developers may be included in the YNT programme.
What if I’m born 2006…surely I’m still young enough for the YNT?
Players born in 2006 will be accepted into the YNT programme on an invitation basis. If you’re born in 2006 and think you’re good enough for the training squad, please drop Graham an email and include your club coach in the communication.
What if I can’t make the trial?
Commitment to the programme is important. However, if you have a strong reason for not attending the trial then please drop Graham an email via [email protected] explaining the reason. Graham will consult with your club, and may offer you an opportunity to attend mid week session.
If you can make the morning or afternoon session, but this isn’t the right age group for you then that’s ok.
If I get picked, will I play for Ireland?
Not necessarily. We will select around 22 players for the training squad. Typically, a travelling team of 14 is picked for International events.
Do I need an Irish Passport?
This is highly desirable. However, players that are going through the naturalisation process and expect to get an Irish passport in the next 2-years may be selected.
I have some other questions… drop [email protected] a note.
