The head coach of the Ukrainian U-16 national team (players born in 2010 or later), Volodymyr Samborskyi, spoke about the plans for the upcoming gathering.
Volodymyr Samborskyi (photo: uaf.ua)Starting from September 22, the youngest national team of Ukraine (U-16) will begin a training camp, during which the blue and yellows will play two friendly matches: on the 23rd against “Metalist 1925 U-17” and on the 27th against “Kolos U-19”.
— Mr. Volodymyr, what are the plans for the national team for this gathering, besides the two friendlies?
— This is the second gathering in the history of this team. The national team first assembled in December last year, participating in an international tournament practically without a training process. Now I would call the upcoming work more of a training and selection process. This is the youngest national team of Ukraine, so we need to keep a constant pulse on the situation. We have the opportunity to work outside of UEFA dates, so I thank the clubs that released their players.
Regarding your question, during the week we will get acquainted, assess the boys, who and how will accept the requirements, the principles of the coaching staff’s play, and how the players adapt to the national team.
— It is clear that it was difficult to invite players from abroad for this gathering. However, how many such individuals do you have on your radar?
— There are many. I would say, not just a dozen. And right now, there is, so to speak, a long-distance selection process ongoing. We talk to the boys and their parents, who send us videos of the children’s games, so for now, that’s how we get acquainted.
— Regarding the friendly matches. If “Metalist 1925” will have mostly peers, then “Kolos” is three years older. Was this done intentionally?
— Yes. We will play against the team from Kovalivka on the last day of the gathering, having trained for three full days before the game. I want to see how our players think on the field against older footballers, how they make decisions, how they show character. I am confident that such a friendly match will be very beneficial for this Ukrainian team.
