In 2022, the Municipal Futnet Club of Modřice hosted the World Club Cup, leaving a lasting impression on the representatives from France and Spain. They were so captivated by the exceptional campus and top-notch facilities of the complex that they conceived the idea of utilizing these exceptional conditions for an international youth training camp.
Preparations for this camp began a year ago, with the Czech Futnet Association taking charge as the official organizer. MNK Modřice’s dedicated team provided invaluable material and human resources for the venture. Additionally, a formal contractual collaboration was forged between the association and the town of Modřice, designating the town as the official partner for national selections in the futnet field.
As part of this partnership, the Czech Futnet Association was able to secure the sports facilities at the Modřice Municipal Hall for the event at discounted rates, ensuring a conducive environment for the international youth training camp.
Participants
The annual international basketball camp held in the Czech Republic has once again brought together promising young players from various countries to showcase their skills and learn from each other. Organized by the committee of representation and foreign relations, this year’s camp featured participants from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, and Iraq. The event aimed to provide a platform for U15 prospects to gain invaluable experience and prepare for the upcoming U21 World Championship, set to take place in the Modřice Municipal Hall.
Representing the Czech Republic:
The Czech Republic was proudly represented by a talented selection of U15 prospects from different regions. The chosen players included Tomáš Jahoda and František Dlabka from MNK Modřice, Jan Bálek, Michal Červenka, and Antonín Blažek from Český Brod, Tobiáš Gregor from Karlovy Vary, Matěj Mlejnek and Patrik Strcula from Dolní Počernice, Matěj Sobotka from Žďár nad Sázavou, Antonín Katz from Čakovice, Ondřej Tolar from Stříbro, and Kryštof Kalianko from České Budějovice. These young athletes demonstrated their dedication and skills, eager to make their mark on the international basketball stage.
International Representation:
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of Martin Flekač and Martin Spilka, who were in charge of communication with UNIF and its member countries, the camp saw participation from three other nations: Slovakia, France, and Iraq. The inclusion of these foreign teams added excitement and diversity to the event, as players from different backgrounds came together in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Slovakia, France, and Iraq brought their finest U15 players to the camp, with the French team even having their coach on hand to assist with communication, as he patiently translated from English to French throughout the camp. Iraq, in particular, took the opportunity to include some older players in its squad, a testament to the camp’s significance as a preparation ground for the upcoming U21 World Championship.
Camp Participation:
In total, 12 talented U15 players from the Czech Republic, 4 from Slovakia, 6 from France, and 8 from Iraq actively participated in the camp. Alongside the players, two officials accompanied the Iraqi team to the Czech Republic to ensure smooth coordination, while the French had the support of their coach throughout the event. Marek Líbal, Petr Tolar, and Michal Hostinský took on coaching duties, providing valuable guidance and mentorship to the young athletes.
Contributions and Learning:
The camp also saw the involvement of skilled basketball professionals who contributed their expertise to the young participants. Jan Vanke, Lukáš Rosenberk, Martin Spilka, David Višvader, and Petr Gulda actively assisted the main coaches on different days, sharing their skills and knowledge with the players. This collaboration enhanced the overall learning experience, inspiring the young talents to strive for excellence in their basketball journey.
Opening days of the camp
The camp kicked off on the sunny afternoon of Sunday, July 4, 2023, as excited campers arrived, settling into their accommodations at the Town Hall. Delicious meals were served in the Hall of Fame and the on-site restaurant, ensuring everyone’s appetites were well taken care of.
Even though Sunday was not originally scheduled as a game day, the eager players couldn’t resist the urge to hit the field immediately. It was a delightful sight to see each squad showing off their skills, as doubts about the players’ futnet abilities were quickly put to rest. The spotlight of the evening was on the spirited match between the Iraqi players, leaving everyone in awe of their talent.
The following day marked the official opening of the camp. After a hearty breakfast, the mayor of Modřice, Mr. Libor Procházka, warmly welcomed all the participants. Marek Líbal then provided the essential information to the players before they immersed themselves in the world of futnet. The coaches efficiently divided the players into three diverse groups, ensuring a blend of nationalities within each team.
Each day brought a dynamic mix of activities. Mornings were dedicated to training, with game activities guided by the expertise of our national players. In the afternoons, the real action took place with intense game sessions, allowing participants to showcase their newfound skills. Alongside the on-field excitement, the camp also incorporated video meetings, balance and compensation exercises, and refreshing swims in a nearby natural water habitat.
An invigorating start to every day was ensured with a collective warm-up session, setting the tone for energetic and productive hours ahead.
The opening days of the camp laid the foundation for a memorable and fruitful experience, where camaraderie and sportsmanship flourished amongst the diverse participants. As the days unfolded, friendships deepened, and everyone looked forward to what the rest of the camp had in store for them.
International tournament for Czech colours
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Czech Republic’s U15 A and U15 B teams showcased their talent in the “small world championship” tournament. Joined by formidable opponents from Iraq A, Iraq B, Slovakia, and France, the competition was fierce as the teams battled for glory.
The tournament’s format consisted of two groups, where each team competed in doubles, triples, singles, and doubles matches until they reached three points. Sets were played to 15 points, adding to the intensity and excitement of the games.
Both Iraqi selections demonstrated their dominance in the group stage, impressively securing their places in the semi-finals. However, the Czech U15 A and B teams were no pushovers, and they put on an impressive display of skill and teamwork.
In the preliminary play-off, the Czech A team displayed their strength and determination, defeating France 3:1. Simultaneously, the Czech B team triumphed over Slovakia with a clean 3:0 victory. These wins secured the Czech teams’ spots in the semi-finals.
The Czech U15 A team faced a challenging semi-final against Iraq A. Coach Líbal made strategic decisions regarding the roster, aiming for the best possible outcome. The powerful combination of Gregor and Jahoda in the first pair proved to be unstoppable, securing a crucial victory for the Czech team. The trio of Gregor, Jahoda, and Červenka took advantage of the playing field and executed their game plan effectively, ensuring a smooth progression to the final. František Dlabka’s outstanding performance in the singles match further solidified the Czech team’s place in the grand finale.
Despite the Czech U15 B team’s best efforts in their semi-final match against Iraq, they couldn’t convert their attacks into quality defense, resulting in a 0:3 loss.
In the third-place match, the Czech B team fought valiantly against Iraq A, but it was a nail-biting affair that ended with a narrow 2:3 defeat.
The grand final saw an electrifying clash between the Czech U15 A team and the formidable Iraqi squad. The Czech A team’s star duo, Gregor and Jahoda, continued their remarkable run, defeating their Iraqi counterparts 15:10. The trio of Gregor, Jahoda, and Červenka displayed their exceptional coordination and skills yet again, securing another decisive victory with a scoreline of 15:9.
The prestigious victory was now tantalizingly close for the Czech team. Coach Líbal’s decision to send out Dlabka for the singles match proved to be a masterstroke. Seeking revenge for a previous loss, Dlabka’s aggressive style of play rattled his Iraqi opponent, forcing him into mistakes and preventing him from mounting strong attacks. Dlabka’s triumph with a score of 15:11 sparked euphoria among the Czech players and fans alike.
With this exceptional performance, the Czech U15 A team emerged as the victors of the international tournament, earning well-deserved accolades for their outstanding teamwork, skill, and sportsmanship. The future looks incredibly promising for these young talents as they continue to make their country proud on the international stage.
Attention and feedback
The international youth camp for futnet held in Modřice recently concluded, leaving a lasting impression on all participants and spectators alike. The camp garnered considerable attention, drawing in a diverse audience that eagerly watched the training units and the thrilling tournament that followed. The sight of players donning various national team jerseys and hailing from different countries only added to the captivating spectacle.
The spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship was evident from the very beginning. Teams from across the globe naturally mingled with each other, forming bonds over their shared passion for futnet and exchanging stories beyond the language barrier. Even for the Iraqi team, for whom the language barrier presented a significant challenge, it did not hinder the spirit of unity. The power of sports to bring people and nations together was beautifully demonstrated throughout the camp.
Among the participants was TOMÁŠE DULAVA, a player from Slovakia, who spoke highly of the experience. For him and his fellow Slovakian teammates, the camp offered a fresh perspective on training and game strategies. With limited training opportunities in Slovakia compared to the Czech Republic, the camp proved to be a revelation. Beyond the physical training, it was the sense of camaraderie and fun among the players after training that left a lasting impression on him. The cross-cultural exchange of ideas and techniques enriched their futnet journey, despite the fatigue from a prior week of futnet competitions.
JULIEN CRESPO, the coach of the French team, also lauded the organization of the camp. From the well-structured warm-up sessions to the informative training sessions, the French players left thoroughly satisfied. The opportunity to learn from Czech coaches and interact with some of the country’s top players was an added bonus. The knowledge gained during the camp would undoubtedly help elevate futnet in France.
MAREK LÍBAL, the head coach of the event, shared his reflections on the successful week. The camp surpassed the expectations of both the teams and the coaching staff. Players demonstrated their exceptional futnet skills, even competing against opponents older than them, and emerged victorious in the thrilling tournament. Beyond the wins and losses, the true value of the camp lay in the bonds forged among the participants. Lifelong friendships blossomed, transcending borders and cultures, proving that futnet served as a powerful bridge to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds.
As the 1st year of the international youth camp came to an end, the participants cherished the experience and the lessons they learned on and off the futnet court. The shared memories and newfound knowledge will undoubtedly fuel their passion for the sport in the years to come. The organizers expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the camp a resounding success and looked forward to building on this year’s achievements for an even more remarkable event in the future.
With this year’s camp now behind them, the participants take a well-deserved break before gearing up to prepare for the next edition. The success of the camp serves as a testament to the power of sports in fostering international friendships and developing young talent, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting the upcoming year’s event. The future of futnet shines brightly, driven by the spirit of unity and camaraderie that flourished during this unforgettable international youth camp.
The camp ended on Friday morning, when all participants went home.
In retrospect, the decision to organize an international youth camp proved to be absolutely right, and it can be deemed a resounding success. The picturesque setting of the Modřice area, coupled with the expertise of experienced coaches and talented Czech players, laid the foundation for an exceptional camp experience. This event stands as a shining example of how futnet’s quality can be elevated in various countries while fostering stronger bonds among nations engaged in futnet. As the camp drew to a close, both coaches and local organizers were already brainstorming ideas for expanding and enhancing the program in the coming year. Let us all remain hopeful that this endeavor will evolve into a long-standing tradition for years to come.”
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