2016 WCA Development Camp | |
12 July 2016 The growing strength of women's shinty was in evidence last weekend as over sixty players descended on Strathallan School in Perthshire for the annual WCA Development Camp and the new National Sixes Competition. Over forty players attended the camp, with coaching led by North Development officer Katie Drain and her team. Working on skills development in all aspects of the game, players aged 13 to 30 all grew in leaps and bounds. There were large cohorts of players from Skye Camanachd and Ardnamurchan, as well as players from established ladies clubs such as Aberdour and Glengarry, and new ladies teams such as Fort William, Inverness and Camanachd Leòdhais. The Player of the Camp award was presented to Kingussie’s Roma Fraser who impressed all the coaches with her skill, attitude and athleticism and she is sure to have a great future ahead. Young Katie Higgins of Fort William was impressive as Most Improved Player and showed that the An Gearasdan side may develop into a real force in the years ahead. Skye Camanachd's Izzy Law was awarded Most Endeavour for her commitment and positive attitude in her own play and in that of others, reflecting the positive values the WCA wishes to foster. Saturday was closed out by the “Euro 2016” Fives, with “France” winning and going one better than their football namesakes, thanks in part to the efforts of Skye’s Caitlin MacLean. On the Sunday, under the watchful eye of Scotland manager Stuart Reid, the camp attendees were joined by other players and teams from across the country for the new WCA National Sixes. This qualified as a trial for the Scotland team for the Shinty-Camogie Challenge in October 2016. There was a competitive streak to this new competition and Badenoch survived a defeat to Skye A to top the group. Skye A came up short thanks to a draw against Valerie Fraser final opponents Lochaber and a 1-0 loss to long-term rivals Glasgow Mid Argyll GMA finished level on points with the Sgitheanach and went through thanks to the result between the two teams. However Badenoch won the day after penalties in the final. Skye B delivered joy for the island as they won the Development Competition for new and reserve teams, winning both the league and final. The individual and team prizes were awarded by WCA President Lisa McColl who congratulated all the players for their efforts, and thanked the coaches for their input to the camp and the women’s game in general. |