The Flag GB squad have given a shout-out to the wider team that has supported them on their journey through the World Championships in Finland. Both Womens and Mens squads achieved creditable top-10 finishes and GB Women also qualified to compete at the World Games in China next year.
Women’s Defensive Back, Ellie Thorpe said: “GB women’s success last week would not be possible without the dedication of our staff. Our coaches prepared for each game well into the night and started at the crack of dawn each day. The coaching staff were rejoined by Liam Warren-Browne who had a huge impact on the mindset and mental well-being of players.”
Liam Harper, Wide Receiver for GB men added: “Paul Labbett, our Team Manager is the unsung hero of the Men’s National Programme, Paul does all of the unseen work that ensures we can perform at our best on the field. None of this would be possible without Paul’s efforts. Head Coach Alan Young was the leader who has moved this programme forward year after year and has made sure we are always ready to compete at the highest level. Coach Young brings a passion and a will to win that permeates throughout the group.”
GB women were also aided by a “stellar team” of support staff aded Ellie – including Team Manager Danika Taylor, sports therapist Ellie Travis, research assistant James Parmley and nutritionist Isabel Mate.
Liam also gave special mention to Andrew Gibson, the mens team’s Defensive Coordinator who he described as “One of the best defensive minds in the world and a real heartbeat of the team” and Alan Mead, Offensive Coordinator.
“Alan does a lot of the work that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. He keeps the offense together, even when things aren’t always clicking and his experience is invaluable,” added Liam. Other special mentions from Liam went to Sport Psychologist, Casper Farrimond and Physiotherapist, Ben Alway.
“Casper has been at Camps for the last 12 months, helping develop mental skills, team chemistry and performance under pressure. We needed all of this during the games at the tournament and his sessions have been inspirational. Ben joined the team late but instantly became an integral part of the group and went above and beyond for us during the tournament. You could tell he genuinely cared about us as people and ensuring we stayed healthy,” explained Liam.
Other special mentions from the women’s camp went to Head Coach; Dean Whittingslow, Offensive Coordinator; Jack Reed, Defensive Coordinator; Fraser Thomson, Assistant Coach; Ieuan Tucker and Assistant Coach; Andrew Mathers. Support from the stands was led by GB stalwart Kellie Barrett and former player Jade Archibald alongside family and friends who travelled from far and wide to get behind the team.
The media team on the ground were also lavished with praise. Ellie said: “Our media legend Andy Keith was once again on the sidelines using his talents to capture our sport at the highest level and our friends at The Way We HNC It created fantastic content to keep fans at home updated.
Liam added: “Matthew “Bez” Berry and Stuart “Tree” Anderson of The Way We HNC It are true champions of the sport and the national teams. Bez and Tree made sure every Flag fan back home and all over the world could follow our progress at the tournament and celebrate our achievements. Andy was once again on the sidelines using his talents to capture our sport at the highest level. They boys created fantastic content to keep fans at home updated.”
For all The Way We HNC It content including blogs, social media and podcasts click here
You can enjoy the range of photography taken Andy Keith at https://andykeith.photo/
Additional images and graphics courtesy of andykeith.photo
