The SBU has published the first details of an International Training and Development Programme that it wishes to develop and deliver. Jenny, the co-ordinator, and many others pushing this forward are good friends of mine who feel that something needs to be done to improve the performance of the Scottish international teams.
I am not involved directly although the BBO matches for the trialists are probably consistent with their vision. I do have a mild concern about who is going to deliver the programme but it is good to see something positive happening.
My personal view is that the SBU does not have the resources to deliver such a programme across the board. So I hope they focus on where they can make most impact and I would suggest the Women's team and young players for the Open team are the two key areas.
It is such a disappointment that the National League (PDF) will not be so effective in supporting this programme. If it had been played with screens, long matches, duplicated boards across the field, then they would have been plenty for programme members to analyse and discuss. Perhaps next year!
If you wish to participate, then contact Jenny - her details are in the announcement.
