Next week, Team Scotland will be heading to Belgium to compete in the IQA World Cup for the first time, marking a major milestone as the team makes its debut appearance - and the squad couldn’t be more excited to finally represent Scotland on a world cup stage.
It’s a proud moment for the squad, many of whom have played internationally before, but never under the Scotland name at the IQA World Cup.
Scotland has been putting in the work. This season saw the team working under new Head Coach Ben Zinger, with support from a group of experienced assistant coaches who joined the programme earlier this year.
With consistent national team training sessions, including intense training weekends and focused tactics sessions in the last six months, their players’ efforts will be on full display this World Cup.
The squad’s preparation has been focused, consistent, and tailored toward development, both tactically and as a team.
While Scotland’s eyes are on improvement, they’re not only thinking about results - they are aiming to improve their performance against previous international tournaments, but most importantly to have a good time at their first World Cup.
It’s about showing what they’ve built and enjoying the experience at the same time. This tournament marks a new era for the team, and they’re keen to make the most of it.
The success of Edinburgh at the most recent British Quadball Cup, coupled with the new talent coming through north of the border means it's an exciting time for Team Scotland. We're excited for what this means for Scotland, and for them to bring their absolute best next week.
Natasha Meek, Scotland Chaser
Juliet Simon, Scotland Beater
Alex Harrison, Scotland Chaser
Scotland competed at the European Games in London last year and say they’re heading into this event with a refreshed mindset. They see this tournament as a marker of progress - a chance to demonstrate just how far they’ve come in a short space of time.
Ben Zinger, Team Scotland Head Coach
We are definitely bringing a different energy to the World Cup than we did in the European Games last year. Scotland is a team that is undergoing constant growth and development. Our resilience allows us to never resist change as we continue to improve and reach new heights. World Cup this year will display our incredible growth since the European Games, both as individual players and as a team.
Part of the fun of the World Cup is playing new opponents, and Scotland is eager to test themselves against unfamiliar teams - in the group draw, Scotland will find themselves coming up against Slovenia, Switzerland, India, and the current World Champions, the United States of America.
They’re especially keen for another potential showdown with familiar Celtic rivals, and are looking forward to playing a variety of teams they have never played against before. They are also extremely excited about potential rematches against Wales or Ireland, as long as it does not happen three times in one tournament again after Quadball Nations Cup in 2023.
The showdown between Wales and Scotland last year was tightly contested, and we expect nothing less of a full blown and electric match up should the nations face each other again.
When asked about specific players to keep an eye out for in Belgium, Scotland kept it close to the chest.
“Watch us and find out.”
Scotland Co-Captains - Ben Talbot and Cherry Gallacher
We’re both incredibly proud of how far the team has come and how well we play together, with each individual player’s ability combining to create the spirit that makes team Scotland special. Especially given how widely spread our players are, some having travelled hours just to make each training. We’re eagerly anticipating the opportunity to play against so many different nations and excited to showcase our abilities both as players and, more importantly, as a team.
With all the work and momentum behind them, it’s safe to say Scotland will be a team worth watching in Belgium. Whether it’s their first appearance or not, they’re going in ready to give it absolutely everything.
Best of luck to you, Scotland, we're behind you all the way.
You can follow Quadball Scotland, and all the action next weekend on their instagram page.
