Austrian youth national team gets together for the first time since lockdown

Vienna, Austria. From Monday to Friday, the Austrian youth men’s national team – consisting of boys born in 2003 and younger – completed their first training camp since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic back in March. A week earlier, the girls born in 2004 and younger had lived the very same experience, a much-needed return to some sort of normalcy after the lockdown and long break resulting from the health crisis. The young players mentored by newly appointed head coach Markus Hirczy took advantage of the perfect conditions available at the VIVA Sports Centre in Steinbrunn as well.

The players underwent COVID-19 tests upon arrival, followed by sports motor tests and a physiotherapeutic check – all respecting a two-meter distance. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the recently appointed coach of the men’s ‘senior’ national team Radovan Gacic was in Steinbrunn as well to take a close look at the young talents. In addition, the Sports Councillor of Burgenland, Heinrich Dorner, paid a visit to the rising stars of Austrian Volleyball too.  

“The use of our sports facilities by national and international teams means, on the one hand, a further upgrade for Sportland Burgenland and, on the other hand, also promotes enthusiasm – especially among young people – for a wide variety of sports,” explained Dorner during the meeting. 

After completing the camp, head coach Hirczy spoke of very intensive, insightful days for both players and support staff. “After all, we have never been together in this constellation. It was therefore also an opportunity to get to know each other. We worked a lot in the hall and off the court as well. All the boys wanted to show themselves from their best side, and they succeeded in doing so. We saw many good things. The two days during which Gacic worked with the boys went perfectly, too,” said Hirczy, looking and sounding very satisfied.

The next such camp is due to take place at the end of October. “In general, it is our wish to call the players together as often as possible. We are in constant contact and exchange with the boys, but of course we can best get an impression of their development through joint training sessions. Regular camps are particularly important at this age!” Hirczy concluded. 

The first competition for this group is due to take place in January 2021 with the annual MEVZA Championships.

Sources:
CEV – European Volleyball
ÖVV – Volleyball Austria