British Colleges Joy for Saints Youngsters

Northampton HC & Moulton Colleges’ Stephan Williams and Ed Holt were successful in their campaign to gain selection for BCS national squad during a very competitive trials day at Cannock HC – 24thNovember 2011.  Ed was still competing against 6 other goalkeepers for which was the 3rdround of selection trials, which saw him succeed from the East Midlands and then the North division, to finally be given the news after a full day of intense training being announced in the BCS National Squad. 

Stephan Williams’s journey was completely different after being part of the squad last year the pressure was really on with a new intake of eager and competitive first year students.  Stephan was even quoted saying “the trials were much stronger than last year and I need to be on top of my game to succeed”.  The outfield players had to show what they had in game play situations which can always prove difficult, yet Stephan who is only just back after an ankle injury, played to his strengths and obviously impressed the selectors enough to force them to re-select him.

The future is bright for Ed and Stephan, meeting with the squad again for a two day training camp in the spring, in a training squad of 22 players.  If then selected in the full playing squad of 16 they will engage in fixtures against England and Wales U18 squads.  Culminating in an end of season tour to Holland, where they will be able to pitch their talents against their continental counterparts, finishing the season off in style. Knowing this, they now need to continue to work hard in training at the college, ensuring that their skills are put to best use helping the Moulton team gain the success they deserve in the league and cup ready for the BCS National Squad training camp.  We wish them every success in their endeavours!