Every month we catch up with some of our international players who represent Wales on the big stage. In this, the first part of the series, we fire off some questions to new internationals Alice Thompson and Chris Hughes, as well as international resident Ruth Campbell.
Alice Thompson
Oxford University KC
Age: 21
How long have you played korfball for?
I’ve played korfball since my first term of university – so coming up to two years now!
How did you find the trials?
The trials were pretty intense and really put us through our paces! However, Tom and Jess were reassuring and helpful throughout and gave some really useful coaching tips – it was a fun day!
Is this the first time you’ve been selected to play for Wales?
Yes
Is there anyone on the squad you are particularly looking forward to playing with?
I’m really looking forward to getting to play with some of the more experienced women in the squad and especially those who’ve played at this level before – I know I’ve still got a lot to learn!
How do you think playing for Wales will benefit the way that you play with your current club?
I’m hoping I’ll be able to bring back new drills and training ideas to my club and get more involved in the development of newer players
What’s been the highlight of your korf career to date?
Representing my university at BUCS tournaments – there’s always a great atmosphere and lots of new people to play against
Chris Hughes
Leeds City KC
Age: 28
How long have you played korfball for?
9 years
How did you find the trials?
It was a great way to get back into the Korfball season but after 4 months not wearing my Korf trainers, my feet were suffering the next day!!
Is this the first time you’ve been selected to play for Wales?
Yes first timer
Is there anyone on the squad you are particularly looking forward to playing with?
Leo – It’ll be really nice not being the tallest boy in the division!
How do you think playing for Wales will benefit the way that you play with your current club?
It’ll be great to test myself against the best in the country and the coaches have so much experience I know I’ll learn a lot from them.
What’s been the highlight of your korf career to date?
As a player it’s probably captaining Leeds Uni at BUCS back in the day and as a coach it’s watching beginners scoring in matches match!
What do you do to unwind after a match?
I’m usually needed for reffing after a match but a glass of wine helps when I’m back at home.
Do you have any pre-match routines or lucky charms?
A running joke at Leeds City is that you’ve got to make sure you go for a safety wee just before a match in case nature calls while you’re on court!
What are you most looking forward to about representing your country/this coming season?
Just the chance to wear the national shirt will be a real honour!
Ruth Campbell
Bristol Thunder KC
Age: 32
How long have you played korfball for?
12 years
How did you find the trials?
A fun day. Always good to train and play with new people
Is this the first time you’ve been selected to play for Wales?
No
Is there anyone on the squad you are particularly looking forward to playing with?
Yes! lots of people! I always enjoy playing with our resident Turkish invader, Kevin “the tripod” Jones and Carla “full sentence communication” Bennett. Also looking forward to seeing more from James Wilcox in this next tournament and playing with my personal favorite Rebecca Fitch!
How do you think playing for Wales will benefit the way that you play with your current club?
It’s good to keep you away from playing in one fashion and encourages you into roles you may not normally play for in your club.
What’s been the highlight of your korf career to date?
So many to name!
Scoring the winning goal at World Championships in China 2011 vs South Africa is one, getting Euro bowl 2013 Top scorer for Wales was also great but the highlight has to be European Championships 2010 tournament in Holland. The IKF had organised the whole tournament so professionally and we exceeded our expectations as a squad with epic comeback wins against Turkey (down by 7!), Ireland and Scotland. Top memories as a squad from that tournament!
Oh and our golden goal win in 2013 Eurobowl coming back again from 3 goals down to secure our spot in Europeans 2014! Too many amazing memories to name really. No single highlight….
What do you do to unwind after a match?
A warm shower and a glass of wine, sometimes at the same time.
Do you have any pre-match routines or lucky charms?
An odd number of hair clips.
What are you most looking forward to about representing your country/this coming season?
Seeing what a new coaching team will bring and playing and training with a fresh group of players.