Internationals take part in European Academy

Several Scotland, Ireland and Netherlands internationals are taking part in the European Women's Academy in Spain to prepare for the next season's club and country fixtures.

Scotland's Charlotte Bascombe, Abbi Aitken and Leigh Kasperek, along with Ireland's Eimear Richardson and Netherlands' Lotte Egging are attending the event from April 12 to 17 in Murcia in Spain.

The academy, organised by the ICC European Development Programme, is hosting European players between 15 and 21, who are working with a coaching team that includes former England player Laura Newton.

Richard Holdsworth, the ICC European Development manager, said the academy will give the best players in the region a chance to improve their skills to better compete on the world stage.

"We are delighted at the elite coaches we have been able to source to help deliver this event which will allow the players and country coaches to benefit greatly from their expertise, he said. "There will be an excellent opportunity for much one to one coaching, so that players can get expert tuition on the specific areas that they wish to concentrate on."

Academy players:
Guernsey - Hannah Mechem, Ireland - Emma Flannagan, Amy Kenealy, Joanne McKinley, Eimear Richardson, Melissa Scot-Hayward, Amanda Walker, Netherlands - Marloes Braat, Lotte Egging, Christine Erkelens, Fleur Fischer, Carlijn de Groot, Denise Hannema, Miranda Veringmeier, Scotland - Abbi Aitken, Charlotte Bascombe, Leigh Kasperek.