The Under 17 squad ended the season on a high, winning under-17 Boys Gold at Eastern Region single sex event and with a truly magnificent team effort at ICT Nottingham over Easter. We again had some organisational disappointments regarding opposition teams cancelling matches leading to extra admin time in trying to rearrange. Unfortunately the congested season again meant that friendly matches were almost impossible to fit in or find a county who could play. Whilst the individual BE competitive calendar continues to expand, this is limiting 'free' dates for team competition.

Our Shires campaign: This was held back slightly by injury and lower squad player numbers available. We finished 6th out of 8 in our league with 2 wins, 1 draw, & 4 losses. That said, the team always played to their best with committed, improving performances throughout the season. We try to play 5 x 5 players to give more playing opportunities rather than 4 x 4 with players preferring to play in more matches even if it means sharing a slot & not playing 4 games in a match. Players are advised in advance of each match the disciplines we expect them to play and we adjust the match fee pro rata to reflect this.

lCT 2009: [fuller report available here >>> ]

Having felt that last years experiment of travelling the day before the event was a great success, leaving everyone more relaxed & ready for the competition, we were very grateful to the SBA for a grant to assist with the extra nights cost, to allow us the do the same this year. Not having to get up very early, travel 3 hours in a minibus and be hurried onto court to play a match by 12noon was very beneficial to all, including the managers. Once again there was total commitment from every player. This years tournament was a resounding success for us, winning 7 matches and only losing 3 [2 of which were in the 1st round against the higher seeded counties] The results were proof that with extra preparation, commitment, self belief and brilliant team spirit, Suffolk can perform to a very high level. The team were a credit to Suffolk. A hard act to follow in 2010!

Squad Locations: The practice of the under-17 squad travelling around the county for training still continues to be a success, four venues again being used:- St Felix - Southwold, Rushmere Sports Club - Ipswich, King Ed's - Bury and Holbrook High - Holbrook. Players from all 3 areas in Suffolk have made up our squad but noticeably 4 from the North have greatly benefited from 5 of our squads being held in Southwold, reducing travel, time & expense for those players parent's. We really need to make sure SBA can reach all players of suitable standard in ALL areas of Suffolk & encourage them to make themselves available for all age squad selections. I firmly believe this can only happen if all age group squads adopt the same practice of offering squads in the 3 main areas of the county. We are unfortunate that an obvious geographic centre doesn't really exist in Suffolk and we must therefore make efforts to enable everyone to have easier access our squads.

David & I would like to thank everyone who has assisted with our squad during this season, with special thanks to Tony Isherwood, Daniel Hooper & Gary Shepard who all gave many hours of their time. Our experience is that players benefit greatly from the input the younger helpers/coaches give & the different approach from other senior coaches is complimentary to getting the coaching messages over.

I would especially like to thank David Driver for his tireless efforts in coaching the youngsters to really believe in their ability to improve, work hard and give great performances. Our success at ICT was testament to how he has empowered the whole team to inspire and support each other to reach higher playing levels and team success.

Our summer preparation is under way with an under-16 tournament on Sun 14th June [entry forms available at AGM & soon on SBA website] and a squad session for invited players on Sun 28th June at Rushmere Sports Club.

 

Lisa Jacobs

Squad Manager

Under-17 Squad:  Report 2007-08

Presented at  Annual General Meeting 12th May 2008