10.03.06 Northern Ireland women have target in sight

Northern Ireland's women's senior team attended an Army Assault course at Ballykinlaer on Friday 10th March as part of important preparations ahead of their next World Cup qualifier in Slovakia at the end of March.

Organised by the Irish Guards, the women's team endured a day of physically and mentally demanding tasks, including a twenty minute warm-up which conjured up images of G I Jane as the girls found themselves doing press-ups in the freezing cold water. Completely soaked and freezing cold, the girls then had to quickly run to the obstacle course where they found themselves climbing up ladders and jumping over ten foot walls. The next challenge was at the rifle range where using a virtual reality simulator the girls had to shoot at a variety of targets.
After lunch, the group was split into three teams and each had to complete a series of command tasks, in which communications skills and initiative were vital to the success of this particular part of the day. Finally, the girls had to complete a one and a half mile run, aiming to achieve their personal bests.

The day proved to be a tremendous test of physical fitness, concentration and commitment and all the girls passed with flying colours. Tagging along behind and constantly offering support and praise throughout the day was National Coach Alfie Wylie, and not far behind him was Ann Gourley (under 17 coach), Cheryl Lamont (under 19 coach) and Kim Funston (Assistant Coach, Senior Team).

Commenting after, Wylie said, "We all had a fantastic day and the girls rose to every challenge presented to them. We have a tough World Cup match against Slovakia on the 30th March and I know that our team will have gained a lot of confidence and self-belief from this team-building event - hopefully we can use this to our advantage in Slovakia at the end of the month".