The first micro camp of the national team for volleyball players under the age of 16 passed with excellent mood and very high motivation. It is part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming first zonal qualification (January 15-19, 2025) for the European Championship (July 2-13, 2025).
Over the course of three days, 16 national women held four training sessions in the capital’s ”Hristo Botev” hall, where the European qualification will take place together with the teams of Serbia, Turkey, Romania, Greece and Montenegro. The last session was held today and lasted longer than the scheduled hour.
“Thank you very much for the responsible attitude and diligence you have shown all the time. You have pleasantly surprised us! We have seen a lot of progress since the summer. It is clear that you have been working in the clubs. You are in very good condition and you can congratulate your club coaches. Beware of injuries and be responsible for your health!” said Evelina Tsvetanova, who is one of the coaches in the staff, at the end of the training.
Girls said goodbye for a long time and were in no hurry to leave the hall. Everyone is unanimous that the collective in the team is at a very high level and all the time work is done with a smile.
“Certainly, the Balkan Championship had a very big influence on this. The girls know each other very well, they are close and the team is already built,” Tsvetanova points out.
Exactly four months have passed since the women’s under-16 national team was formed for the first time. The selection was made during the third edition of the “Talent Tournament 2024”, which took place in the “Ivan Vazov” hall in Stara Zagora (June 24-30). After that, the young “lionesses”, who were on the list of the selector Vladislav Todorov, continued their camp, and between July 22 and 27, they took part in the Balkan age championship. Our country hosted the tournament, and the home team won the silver medals.
“Everyone has progressed since the summer. We see both physical and tactical progress in each of them,” Tsvetanova is happy.
An analysis of what was shown during the camp will be made by the selector Vladislav Todorov and his assistants Evelina Tsvetanova and Georgi Birbochukov. Only then will it be decided whether other girls will be called in a month, when there will be a new micro camp.
“The goal of this micro-camp was to see the current situation and maintain the synchrony between them,” concluded Tsvetanova
The main camp before the European qualifiers will start at the end of December.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Volleyball Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another captivating edition of our interview series. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Coach Evelina Tsvetanova, one of the coaches for our national U16 women’s volleyball team. Evelyn, it’s fantastic to have you here!
Evelina Tsvetanova: Thank you so much for having me! It’s a pleasure to share insights about our young talents.
Editor: I understand that the first micro camp for the U16 national team recently took place. What was the atmosphere like during those three days of intensive training?
Tsvetanova: The atmosphere was incredibly positive! The girls came in with such high motivation and enthusiasm. Despite the rigorous training sessions, their spirits never wavered. It’s refreshing to see such dedication from the younger athletes.
Editor: Four training sessions in just three days—and the last session being longer than planned—really speaks to their drive. What did you see in terms of their progress?
Tsvetanova: Absolutely! We’ve seen significant growth since the summer. The girls have clearly been honing their skills at their clubs, and it shows. Their technical abilities and physical conditioning are impressive for this age group, which makes our job a lot easier in the national camp.
Editor: The upcoming zonal qualification for the European Championship is quite important. How do you think this micro camp has prepared the team for their first qualification match next January?
Tsvetanova: This micro camp was crucial for building team chemistry and sharpening their skills. Training in the venue where the qualification will occur gave them a feel for the environment they must perform in. It’s also an opportunity for them to learn and adapt quickly to competitive scenarios, which is essential for their growth as athletes.
Editor: Speaking of competition, the U16s will face tough teams like Serbia, Turkey, and Romania. How do you assess their readiness to compete at this level?
Tsvetanova: The girls are developing at an impressive rate. Our focus has been on maximizing their potential while emphasizing teamwork. Every training session is designed not just to enhance their individual skills but also to foster a collective spirit. We will continue to refine strategies to handle the competitive landscape.
Editor: That’s wonderful to hear. You mentioned the commitment and the responsible attitude of the players. Can you elaborate on the importance of mental and physical health in young athletes?
Tsvetanova: Absolutely, maintaining a balance between mental and physical health is vital. We emphasize the importance of listening to their bodies and recognizing when to push through and when to rest. Developing resilience and a proactive approach to their well-being will help them not only in sports but in life overall.
Editor: Last but not least, what message do you have for the young athletes who are looking up to the national team and aspiring to follow in their footsteps?
Tsvetanova: I would tell them to stay focused on their goals and work diligently. Hard work and dedication yield rewards, and maintaining a positive attitude is key. Remember, every training session brings you one step closer to your dream. Enjoy the journey, and never forget the passion that brought you to the sport.
Editor: Coach Evelina, it’s been a pleasure talking with you. Thank you for sharing your insights and passion for developing young volleyball talent.
Tsvetanova: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how our girls perform in the upcoming qualification. It’s an exciting time for volleyball!
Editor: And to our audience, thank you for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on our national team as they prepare for the European Championship!