Team England recently went to Richmond, Virginia, USA to compete in the IQA World Cup. After a strong group stage with 4 wins; England advanced through the bracket until a close loss in the semi-final against Germany 60-110*, and then faced previous World Cup silver medalists Belgium in the bronze medal match. A tight and cagey game, Belgium secured the catch and Team England lost 60-120*, finishing the tournament in 4th place.
QUK are immensely proud of the Team England athletes and staff who showed dogged determination in challenging conditions and against tough opposition, showing the very best of English talent at the World Cup.
England got off to a fantastic start Day 1 with a 190*-50 win against Austria, followed by set-score win of 170-50* against Mexico. They then defeated France 150*-40 before weather caused their remaining group game to be delayed to the start of Day 2.
England's final game in the group went to set score, winning against tournament debutants India 220-100*. Finishing top of their group England went straight to the quarter finals where they faced a spirited Canada, with the game ending 140*-60 from a Jordan Aymer-Jeffrey catch to advance to the semi finals.
England had a tight game against Germany with a catch that would have won the match for England called no good with the scores poised at 50-70 to Germany, before a German catch took them to the final.
Belgium also offered a challenging test for England, with Belgium coming off their their semi final loss against eventual champions United States. England were down on points at the flag runner floor but kept in touch of taking the game to overtime, before a Belgium catch was called good after a lengthy video review.
Along with the twenty five Team England athletes and accompanying team staff attending the tournament, QUK was further represented internationally by several QUK players as staff and players for their nations. We also congratulate them on their successes and look forward to seeing them bring their international experience to the 23/24 season.
BELGIUM - 3rd
Jade Souka (Staff) - Olympians Quadball Club
AFRICAN NATIONS - Joint 5th
Philip Sam - Werewolves of London
CANADA - Joint 7th
Chris Radojewski - Werewolves of London
Michelle Ferguson - Werewolves of London
Zac MacDonald - Olympians Quadball Club
MEXICO - Joint 11th
Roger Gomez-Torres - Phoenix Quadball Clapham
HONG KONG - Joint 13th
Fraser Posford (Head Coach) - Velociraptors Quadball Club
Alice Walker Steps Down as Head Coach
Following the World Cup Team England Head Coach Alice Walker has announced she is stepping down.
As coach she has overseen Team England's development on from Team UK and lead England to great success, including wins at the European Games in 2022 and the inaugural WISE Cup against Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, and England's performance at World Cup. Before becoming Head Coach Alice had already tasted success as a Team UK player at the 2016 World Cup, and since becoming Head Coach has also been a winner of both BQC and EQC with her club Werewolves of London in 2022.
Reflecting on her time as Head Coach, Alice had this to say:
"I’m stepping down as head coach as my two years tenure has come to an end and need to move on to other things but I will still deeply miss the role and everything that I’ve been able to do as part of it. We had a very successful EG campaign coming away with the trophy. Our World Cup run didn’t end how we wanted but with a close semi and bronze match, and the team playing so well, I couldn’t have asked for more from the team."
"The biggest takeaway though has been how this group of players supports each other through the ups and downs and motivates each other (and themselves) to be better. Those players retiring have been great assets to the team and those staying on are forces to be reckoned with and whoever coaches next has a very talented group with even bigger potential to work with - I wish them all the best!"
We thank Alice for all her contributions to the sport and to Team England. With Alice stepping down the position of England Head Coach is now open for applications. You can read the job description and apply on our Volunteers Page.
