Project 2010 has been running now for the best part of 4 years during which time the vast majority of you have worked closely with me and Arthur. As we enter the final phase of preparation for the 2010 Championships, I am now in a position to announce the reduced squad of players who will compete for the final places to be announced after the Summer Camp in August. The reduced squad of 3 goalkeepers and 10 outfield players is as follows:

Goalkeepers
Alam Reuben
Hunt Peter
Stearn Matt

Outfield Players
Brady Kieran
Carter Michael
Conroy Liam
Constable Matt
Johnson Oliver
Neville James
Norris Sam
Norton Sam
Smith William
Taylor Josh

Project 2010 was a first for English Roller Hockey, a pilot scheme, a structure for the development for the future of International Players for England. I appreciate that there has been a lot of commitment, both time and financial, to get to where we are today. This idea was originally brought up during a meeting between me and our President, Keith Allen, during one of our trips abroad. Keith immediately gave his full support to this idea and has continued to do so throughout the last 4 years. I must also add that we would not be in the position we are today without the full financial support and time commitment of the Parents and the training commitment of the Players. As a Roller Hockey family we have all headed for the same goal, which is the European Championship 2010 and this is why we aim to have a very competitive team in the Competition.

Progress report to date
The first stages of our preparation have involved regular National Training, Summer and Christmas Camps and numerous trips abroad. National Training has allowed players to raise fitness levels, improve individual techniques and become more tactically aware. The camps have always, and will always remain a source of intense training, raising players’ standards and exposing them to continual daily training like that of a professional player. Finally our trips abroad have been invaluable, full sized rinks, unknown opposition and an extremely high level of competition combined with off rink time often away from parents allowing team bonding.

Preparation Plan Dates
I would like to make you all aware that when I put together Preparation Plan dates I do not consider the financial side, the plan is put together based on what I feel is needed to achieve a competitive team. Although I understand the financial side of the decision, I am disappointed that we are unable to make the July trip, which is what I would call the “Golden step” of the preparation. I am therefore in the process of rearranging the Preparation Plan Dates to try to achieve a similar level of preparation.

Premier League
The implementation of Premier League games was to challenge and push players against the best England has to offer. The first half of the season has been used, not only to assess individual players in a variety of positions, but combinations of players and how they have gelled in a variety of situations. In my mind results have always been secondary to team performances and the way players have responded to a variety of systems they have had to play. Systems ranging from half rink pressure to full rink pressure, three and four man carousel attack, ball possession when attacking and a counter attack. As we move into the second half of the season, although I will still rotate players, I will be more selective and use a combination of players that may be on rink for longer periods of time than others, as I start to use a more consistent system of play that I am likely to use during the Championships.

Issues of concern

Fitness: Some players’ fitness is still a huge concern for me, personal fitness training is essential in addition to normal Roller Hockey training and Joe Wheatley will be contacting you shortly with a fitness plan for the run up to the Championships.
National Training: This season I have allocated two sessions at National Training as part of the preparation, however attendance at National Training has been somewhat inconsistent, with players making at times only one of the two sessions set aside and in some cases neither.
Maturity: Some players are still showing a lack of maturity at times, demonstrating often their inability to follow simple tactical instructions and openly showing frustration during games and training sessions. This in turn can have a profound effect of team moral and spirit. Players must learn to toughen up mentally and cope with difficult situations better.
Commitment: While financial constraints have affected my preparation plan with the removal of the July trip, it is now even more important that 100% commitment is applied with everything we do. Players must enter the rink every time with the passion and desire worthy of an International Sportsman, whether it is a Premier League game, National Training or Club training. Anything less is unacceptable and will be brought to my attention. Players must also give full commitment at the highest level training at their club each week.
Attitude: One area that is not acceptable to me is when a player is not interested to listen to Arthur, Joe or myself. I will not select a player who will not listen as this will affect the team. Players must give us the courtesy of eye contact when being spoken to and take on board what is being said. The player must go on the rink and prove he has listened and understood what has been said, otherwise he will find it hard to make the final squad.

Final stage preparation
Final stage of preparation will focus mainly on tactics and fitness and will commence at this months National Training followed closely by the trip to Sesimbra. The tactics will always be worked on the rink with us in National Training and Premier League games as well as extra sessions and Summer Camp. The fitness levels required will only be achieved if fitness training is carried out during your personal time as well as training with us, as this has to be done on a daily basis. I can tell the players that have already started their fitness preparation, but I am a bit concerned that some of you are not doing enough fitness training off the rink.

I will be issuing preparation plan dates to you all in the coming week. The preparation will intensify as the competition gets closer and in order to ensure that we have a very competitive team in the European Championship, from now on Arthur, Joe and I will be firmer with you both on and off the rink. All this information will be considered when I announce the final squad.

Conclusion
With little over five months to go an immense amount of hard work lies ahead, total commitment and dedication is a must. I always judge players on a daily basis and players must prove at all times, that they are capable in all areas of the game. Therefore, all players have the same opportunity to be in the Final Squad, whether they played last year or not, provided that you have the right attitude and keep improving the fitness and tactical levels as instructed.

I hope you take my comments on board in a constructive manner, because in my concept of a Coach I want the best team, which does not always mean the best individuals. Should any of you wish to discuss your individual position within the squad at this present time or if you would like me to expand on any of these points please feel free to email me.

Yours in Sport

Carlos Amaral
Under 17’s Head Coach