Andrew joined Edinburgh City. Be like Andrew.

In the next instalment of our new members feature we have Andrew Goode who joined the club after hearing about korfball through work. After coming along to give it a try earlier this year, Andrew has been a regular at training and made his competitive debut for the club back in April.

Hi Andrew! Thanks for joining us today, you’re our newest member to the team, how did you find out about Edinburgh City Korfball Club?

I used to work with Katrina (current Edinburgh City president). There was actually another korfball team’s poster on our noticeboard but Katrina managed to convince me that Edinburgh City was the place to be.

Had you played many sports before you gave korfball a try?

I had played a bunch of sports. Mostly tennis, squash, badminton and football, but there’s nothing quite like korfball!

After coming along to your first training session, what were you first impressions of Edinburgh City Korfball Club?

The club is really friendly. It’s just a big group of friends who are always looking to hang out, and are so welcoming to anybody who wants to try Korfball. And there’s a big variety of skill level there, so nobody ever feels out of place at training, literally everybody is encouraged to play in the teams.

How would you describe korfball to those who haven’t heard of the sport before?

Korfball is not like any sport I’ve played before. It is probably closer to netball than any other sport, but there’s a pace and energy in it that I think you need to play to understand.

And finally, what is it that keeps you coming back to korfball each week?

It’s really fun! There’s no better word to describe it. I need all the practice I can get, I wouldn’t want to miss out on any of Dan’s hot tips!

Dan Pratt is the club’s head coach and will be leading a free Beginners Session next month for those wanting to give korfball a try.

Edinburgh City will be hosting its next Beginners Session:

Saturday 11^th August at Oriam Sports Centre from 1pm – 4pm

For more information visit: www.edinburghcitykorfball.wordpress.com

or email: eckc.development@gmail.com

 

Catch up with another recent recruit – Jacky Mo!

We’ve got another new member to catch up with, Jacky Mo also joined us after attending a Beginner’s Session back in January and has been at training ever since. Jacky has developed really quickly and even made his 1^st team debut at the end of last season after only a few months of playing korfball.

Hi Jacky! It must seem like a long time ago now, but how did you find out about Edinburgh City Korfball Club?

I heard about the Beginner’s Session from a board-games meet up where someone kept on about this thing called Korfball. We initially joked that it sounded just like a cult!

Jacky mentions that he’s still not completely sure korfball isn’t a cult! 

Had you played many sports before you gave korfball a try?

I’ve played quite a few sports, mostly badminton, football, basketball and ultimate frisbee. I’ve learnt something from each of them that I’ve been able to bring to korfball.
Having come along to the Beginner’s Session in January, what were you first impressions of Edinburgh City Korfball Club?

The lack of hooded robes and chanting was a disappointment but the people were amazing. Ranging from the super passionate to more laid back casual players all within a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

How would you describe korfball to those who haven’t heard of the sport before?

Korfball is an extremely fun, mixed-gender sport somewhere between netball and basketball but yet still utterly unique.

And finally, what is it that keeps you coming back to korfball each week?

There’s a real team spirit of inclusion, cooperation and fun. I also have a personal desire to improve, stay healthy and I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was.

Edinburgh City will be hosting its next Beginners Session:

Saturday 11^th August at Oriam Sports Centre from 1pm – 4pm

For more information visit: www.edinburghcitykorfball.wordpress.com

or email: eckc.development@gmail.com

 

Becca Cheape is revealed as Ed City’s first summer signing

Edinburgh City today announced the first signing of the summer break. The Citizens have secured the services of Becca Cheape.

The former Edinburgh University player turned down the player option on her contract and entered free agency. With a number of clubs interested, Becca spoke to City’s head coach Dan Pratt and decided she liked the vision of the team and has signed with last year’s runners up on an undisclosed contract.

Edinburgh City managed to catch up with Becca on a break from her busy off-season schedule to find out more about our newest signing.

We asked her why she chose ECKC ahead of other suitors this off-season and Becca had this to say about her new team “I have a good connection with a few of the players here at City having played with them at Edinburgh University and you can see from the outside the City is a really great team to be part of.”

Having joined City, we asked what she was looking to achieve in the coming seasons “I had an amazing time with the squad at BUCS Trophy and it was one of the highlights of my career so far, the whole group were fantastic, and the atmosphere was so enjoyable.” Edinburgh University finished a respectable 6^th at the BUCS National Trophy tournament early this year.

“I’m looking forward though to understanding the game more and improving both technically and tactically.” Becca continued “On an individual level, my goal next season is to really work hard on my shooting. I know that other players have come to this club and gone on to become effective goal-scorers so I’m hoping to be able to continue that trend and contribute lots of goals for City!”

 Team President Katrina Caldwell spoke to the press earlier this week about the signing and had some encouraging words about City’s newest member “Having seen first hand at Edinburgh University what Becca can bring to the team, I’m delighted she’s chosen to join us. Her qualities off court are just as important as her on court presence and I’m sure that the whole squad will enjoy having her here.”

 Becca will get her first chance to impress when training starts back in August, but for now she is working hard and will be ready to hit the ground running once preseason gets underway.

Catch up with one of last season’s new recruits!

Edinburgh City recently caught up with one of its newest members Lauren Kelly to find out how her first few months with the club have been.

Lauren joined Edinburgh City after attending a beginner’s session back in January and has been at training ever since. Last month Lauren also joined the committee to help organise the club’s social scene and has been an inspiration since joining.

 

Hi Lauren! First things first, how did you hear about korfball?

I found out about the City Beginner’s Session through a meet-up website where one of the members shared it in a group I was following.

 

Had you played many sports before you gave korfball a try?

I’d played netball occasionally along with a bit of running and rowing.

 

Having come along to the Beginner’s Session in January, what were you first impressions of Edinburgh City Korfball Club?

My first impressions were of a young group of players who like being active and social. There was a range of people who were serious about korfball and had been playing for a long time, with others who seemed more relaxed and playing recreationally.

 

How would you describe korfball to those who haven’t heard of the sport before?

Usually I describe it as “Mixed-gender Dutch netball” to friends and family.

(Korfball is a Dutch sport, with the word ‘korf’ meaning net or basket in Dutch. So this is a particularly accurate description!)

 

And finally, what is it that keeps you coming back to korfball each week?

Korfball is good fun and helps me to unwind after a long day at work and I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of learning a new sport.

Compared to netball, players can move more freely around the court and you get to play with guys too which I think encourages cooperation and team-work.

It has been nice meeting new people and feeling like I’m doing something productive with my free time.

 

Edinburgh City will be hosting its next Beginners Session:

Saturday 11^th August at Oriam Sports Centre from 1pm – 4pm

For more information visit: www.edinburghcitykorfball.wordpress.com

or email: eckc.development@gmail.com

 

City 1 and 2 both take second in SKL1 and SKL2

Edinburgh City had both teams playing this weekend, with all Scottish clubs being hosted at Oriam for the final day of the season.

With 12 matches happening across 4 hours, league winners, top scorers and final positions would all be decided in a festival of korfball.

The 1st team played reigning champions Mavericks and close rivals Glasgow, with the possibility to finish anywhere from 2nd to 4th in the final standings. Whilst the 2nd team would face Edinburgh University and Dundee with 2nd place already guaranteed due to their head to head record with 3rd placed Dundee.

Edinburgh City 1 v Glasgow 1 (10-15)

City went into their first match knowing that avoiding a 10 goal loss would cement a 2^nd place finish for the season having the better head-to-head record against Glasgow. Glasgow have grown into the season and were always going to be a tricky opponent.

The match got underway with a quick goal from Dan Pratt but then Glasgow pulled away quickly, Calum Lindsay has been in great goal-scoring form and would end up with 6 goals at the end of this contest.

At half time the score was 9-4 in favour of Glasgow and it looked as though things could slip out of grasp for the citizens. But a steadier second half helped City to find the scoresheet on a more regular basis whilst slowing down Glasgow to tie the second half, the final moments saw Chris Horsley and Jacky Mo come on and secure runners-up in the 2017/18 SKL1 season.

Scorers: Clive Minshull, Dan Pratt (3), Andrea Kinver (2), Emma Cottell, Finlay Hannah (1)

MVP: Clive Minshull

Edinburgh City 1 v Edinburgh Mavericks 1 (10-16)

The final match of the season for the 1sts was against unbeaten league champions Mavericks. The task in this game was to cause as many problems in defence and let the game flow from there.

The Citizens battled incredibly well, the game going back and forth and at the break the scores were 9-8 in what was one of the most hotly contested matches of the season and the biggest fight that Mavericks had found themselves in all year.

After the break the scores continued to be close, at 9-10 down Dan Pratt broke free for a running in shot and was hauled back before being able to get off a shot but the referee was not placed to see the foul which would have given the Citizens the chance to tie the game. Unfortunately the ball then went straight to the Mavericks attack and Angus Davidson scored to create a gap that was never clawed back. The half closed out with Mavericks finding the korf a couple more times but a thoroughly entertaining game and an incredible performance from both teams was a wonderful way to end the season.

Scorers: Daniel Pratt (4), John Bagnall, Clive Minshull (2), Emma Cottell, Andrea Kinver (1)

MVP: Clive Minshull

Edinburgh City 2 v Edinburgh University 3 (8-0)

The university side were blighted by exam period and food poisoning meaning they were unable to put out a team and the Citizens were awarded an 8-0 walkover win confirming their 2^nd place finish above their next opponents Dundee.

Edinburgh City 2 v Dundee 2 (9-10)

This match was tight throughout, with neither side being able to pull more than a goal ahead. The Citizen’s were heavily reliant on Ella Fisher and Kitty Dutton for their goal scoring with 7 out of the 9 goals coming from the deadly duo. City had fought back to level at 9-9 but with one minute left on the clock Dundee were awarded a free pass which they converted to take the points.

A close finish, but a good end to the season with City 2 seeing a whole host of fresh faces come into the team. The fact that they finished runners up having had 9 players new to the club rotate through the team, 4 of them completely new to the sport, is a testament to how well they have performed.

Scorers: Ella Fisher (4), Kitty Dutton (3), Chris Horsley, Lee Brodie (1)

MVP: Ella Fisher

Beginner’s Session a Success!

Edinburgh City hosted a Beginner’s Session on Saturday 6^th January, with plenty of new faces coming along and trying korfball for the very first time!

The session focused on scoring goals, defending and lots of match play to introduce the new players to our fantastic sport. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the club hosted a social get together in the evening to celebrate.

With some drinks, food and a generous helping of great company the evening went just as well and those with a competitive spirit even managed a few games of table tennis too!

ECKC offered all of the beginners a chance to register for a prize draw with the lucky winner being given a year’s free membership to the club. A random draw was completed and congratulations to Natalie Court who has won herself this top prize.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers who came along to help run the session, including ex-Citizen Stella McNulty who it is always a delight to see.

Edinburgh City as well as welcoming some new faces, also had to say goodbye to one player.

Laura Powell has been with the club for many years, but is off for a year’s adventure in Australia and all of us at ECKC would like to wish her the very best of luck.

The session was a great success and we hope to see many of the attendees at training over the coming weeks. If you are interested in coming along to give korfball a try, we offer 3 free training sessions to new members so there’s no reason why you can’t try a new sport in the New Year!

 

Free beginner session!

Edinburgh City Korfball Club will be holding a FREE beginner’s session on January 6^th 2018.

The session will teach the basics of korfball, a fun and dynamic mixed-gender sport which was designed with equality and inclusivity at its heart.

For a quick introduction into the sport, this video is a good place to start:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUtJB5jBOis

The session will be held at Broughton High School between 12:45 and 15:45 and directions can be found below.

Beginners who register their interest by emailing edinburghcitykorfball@gmail.com before the 5^th January will automatically be entered into a prize draw, with the winner receiving a year’s free membership to the club.

After the free beginner’s session, Edinburgh City members will be hosting a social event at Akva in Fountainbridge. The event will begin at 19:00 and go on throughout the evening with some light buffet food provided.

Address & Directions:

Broughton High School – 29 East Fettes Avenue, EH14 1EG

Free parking available at the venue

Nearby bus routes: 19, 24, 29, 37, 47, 113

Akva | Boda Bar – 129 Fountainbridge, EH3 9QG

Some parking nearby or Thistle Car Park next door

Nearby bus routes: 1, 10, 27, 34, 300

Ed City’s signing spree continues

Edinburgh City are delighted to announce the signing of Ella Fisher from Saint Andrews for an undisclosed fee.

Another product of the fantastic academy over at Saint Andrews, Ella becomes the 3^rd signing from the Fife based club this transfer period following moves for Nina Murdoch and Heather Mackintosh.

Ella had already been training with the club over the past week whilst the deal was finalised and was quoted as saying “Training has gone well so far, the rest of the team have been lovely and I’m glad to be training hard. I can’t wait to take to the court and start playing for Edinburgh City.”

Coach Pratt added “Having seen Ella come through from the reserves into the Saint Andrews starting line-up over the past couple of seasons I’m delighted she has chosen Edinburgh City. The development she’s shown in a short period of time is exciting and I’m really looking forward to being able to help her continue to improve.”

 

Ed City secure Anna Thomas

Edinburgh City today announced the signing of Anna Thomas from Highbury KC.

Anna joins the Citizens after spending a short time at the London based club and is very much looking forward to the prospect of continuing her development at ECKC.

This is the latest in a number of signings for City with coach Pratt looking to rebuild the club after losing out on the SKL1 title last year. He had this to add during the unveiling “I’m delighted we’ve managed to capture another signing, during this transition period it’s important that we have a number of players pushing the established players hard and helping to improve the overall level here at City.”

The player herself wanted to play down any expectations when asked what she wanted to achieve, simply stating “I’m just trying my best at trying my best.” That positive attitude should serve her well, with Pratt expected to hand her a competitive debut this coming Saturday.