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Under 18 squads announced
Celtic Crusaders have released the names of their new under-18 squad who will play in the Gillette National Youth League for 2008-09.

In addition, Wales have also named their under-18 squad who will compete in the European Championships in Prague from September 1st-5th. The eight-team Championship is a straight knock-out tournament with Wales taking on their Czech Republic hosts in the opening match.

The squads were chosen from an open trial at the Crusaders’ Brewery Field ground in Bridgend last Sunday. Since then, the Crusaders and Wales staff have analysed the performances of the 105 youngsters who turned up for the trials with such enthusiasm and have named their squads accordingly.

Many of the youngsters had never played rugby league before and assistant coach for both Celtic Crusaders and Wales, Anthony Seibold was impressed with the quality that was on show.

“The brand new Celtic Crusaders under 18 squad is a wonderful opportunity for these young man named today to play and learn at a Super League club on their doorstep here in Wales,” he said.

“For many years, young Welsh players had to move to the North of England if they wanted to follow their dreams and pursue a professional Rugby League career. For many this seemed too difficult a step. We have now provided a pathway here in Wales that will contribute to players having opportunities at achieving their desires and playing at Super League level in the future.

“Again our inclusion in Super League is a great boost to the game in the UK and the benefits will be seen at the Crusaders in the long term when these young men and others in our Home Grown system fulfil their dreams and have the chance to play
 

against the likes of Wigan, Leeds and St Helens.”

Despite 105 players being narrowed down to 23 for Celtic Crusaders and 20 for Wales, Seibold says the door is not closed for the unsuccessful youngsters.

“The task was a difficult one,” he said. “However we have now created a database where all the young players who attended the trials and others at all ages will be tracked and our Performance and Development staff are working very at hard at unlocking Crusaders and Wales future first team players.”

CELTIC CRUSADERS UNDER 18 SQUAD 2008-09: Kyle Blackmore, Joe Burke, Dafydd Carter, Grant Carney, Jonathan Davies, Rhys Fenton, Dalton Grant, Ashley Griffiths, Owain Griffiths, Kristian Hawkes, Ryan Healy, Alex Herbert, Nick Meakin, Matthew Morgan, Loren Quick, Tom Rees, Lewis Rossini, Terry Saunders, Anthony Symonds, Jamie Tibbs, Ross Wardle, Steve Williams, Mark Wool.

WALES UNDER 18 SQUAD FOR THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS: Tom Beaumont (Rhyl Coasters), Dale Blackmore (Rhyl Coasters), Joe Burke (Newport Titans), Dafydd Carter (Blackwood Bulldogs), Adam Davies (Wigan Warriors), Gil Dudson (Crusaders Colts), Dalton Grant (Newport Titans), Ashley Grffiths (Crusaders Colts), Owain Griffiths (Pilkington Recs), Ryan Healy (Cardiff Demons), Ian Marshall (Rhyl Coasters), Sam Powell (Rhyl Coasters), Nathan Roberts (Rhyl Coasters), Terry Saunders (Tondu RFC), Jamie Tibbs (Torfaen Tigers), Ross Wardle (Cardiff Demons), Gary Williams (Crusaders Colts), Rhys Williams (Rhyl Coasters), Steven Williams (Crusaders Colts), Mark Wool (Crusaders Colts). Head Coach: Stuart Williams. Assistant Coach: Aled James. Team Manager: Andy Lindley.

article by Ian Golden
8 August 2008

 



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