It has been already over 7 months since the Centre of Excellence has started in Holbaek. Several players from different member associations train daily under the supervision of Jeroen van Dijk and other assistant coaches. Matthew Abela from Malta is one of these players and he reflects on his time so far at the CoE.

- Currently we are at a preparation phase for Latvia and Lithuania, as many of the players will be participating in these tournaments.

- This has been the toughest week so far, working a lot on physical and explosive movements.

-I have been enjoy the practice a lot the past 3 weeks trying to push me body and mind as much as I can.

Read: Anne Tran: Fighting spirit is the most important

Different training

Other coaches from all over Europe have also been appointed to try out for the role of assistants coaches. This meant a slight change in training pattern for Abela and the other players.

- It's also good to get different feedback and exercises from them.

-Overall the group gets along very well and we are supporting each other to get the best from our self.

Read: van Dijk about COE: There is a big interest for us

Own improvement

- Regarding myself I feel that I have been improving slowly. I started to think more about shot quality and also what shots to play in different scenarios.

Abela already has a focus point to look forward to next season

- For next year my goal is to qualify for the European Games in Minsk

Find more information about the Centre of Excellence here.