INTERNATIONAL CAPTAINS
George ROURKE
CAPTAIN
HOW DID KORFBALL FIND ME?
At the start of my final year at the University of Birmingham, one of my housemates had a friend that played korfball. She invited a few of us to a taster session where over 100 people were training. Everyone there was extremely welcoming so I decided to keep going back and after only a few weeks, I was travelling across the midlands to play matches. Korfball was one of the best experiences I had at university; I regret not discovering it sooner.
MY RELATIONSHIP WITH KORFBALL
Korfball has allowed me so many incredible experiences over my years of playing, so I have a lot to be thankful for. Not only have I had the privilege of playing for my country under great coaches and alongside amazing players, but I also met my wife whilst we both played korfball for Nomads (sorry, she’s not Scottish). Our most recent adventure has been our move to Barcelona where we have transferred to play at KC Barcelona. Everyone in the team has made us feel so welcome and we’re enjoying the challenges of playing for a new team, against new opponents, whilst trying to learn a new language. ¡Som-hi!
A WORD ON THE UPCOMING TOURNAMENT
As we move towards Scotland’s next tournament in France, we are in a healthy transition period with a new coaching team and plenty of debutants. Mixing these newer players with those with more tournament experience, we have come together well during training weekends and pre-tournament friendlies. It’s been great to see players who were previously in development squad step up and make the progression into the national team.
In previous tournaments we have proved our capabilities against some of the strongest opponents in the world and we hope to do the same in France. We look forward to fiercely competing to secure our place in the next round of the IKF European Championship. Thank you in advance for all of your support for the tournament and we can’t wait to show the world what we can do.
Heather MACKINTOSH
VICE CAPTAIN
A BIT ABOUT MYSELF
I’m 28 years old and have been playing Korfball for 10 years now (time flies!). I have a demanding job and often work anti-social hours, meaning that I may turn up to training or matches feeling (and possibly looking) a little bit like a zombie. However, I can persevere through these tough times with the support of my Edinburgh City and National Squad teammates.
In my first year at the University of St Andrews, I went to the Sports Fayre where a few friendly faces asked me if I wanted to find out about a mixed-gendered sport called Korfball. Intrigued, I attended my first training session to give it a go. I think the fact that I am still playing 10 years on speaks for itself but safe to say I’ve never looked back. I started Korfball at the same time as Nina Murdoch, also on Scotland Squad for our IKF tournament this year, so this will be extra special sharing it with someone who has been there since the start of my Korfball journey.
MY RELATIONSHIP WITH KORFBALL
I would say that the one word that sums up how I feel about Korfball is thankful. Thankful for the relationships it has allowed me to develop, the challenges it continues to provide me as an “athlete” and as a person, and the unique experiences it offers.
A WORD ON THE UPCOMING TOURNAMENT
I am so excited to be part of this year’s Tournament Squad heading to France and playing with teammates old and new. A highlight from last year’s tournament was beating the host country, Turkey, and I hope to make more magic moments like that one at this tournament. There is just no other feeling like it!
I can’t wait to get out on the court and help showcase the heart and pride that us Scots are famous for. Let’s go Scotland!