Hello.
I am putting my hand up to continue developing our u21 players and manage the team for the next two seasons. In the (long) offseason I have been scouting and bbmailing to form an u200 team and an u19 comprehensive list. The aim is to build not only a team that can win our Asia Tournament again two powerhouse nations in Taiwan and China, but to compete on the world stage.
From a managers perspective, I have a passion to ensure the players are continued to be trained after u21 teams, an often keep in contact with managers to see how they are doing as 22/23yr olds. I want as many of them (with high potential) to continue on and help our national team. I understand that managers often have the experience to carry this on by themselves, but just like keeping in contact and offering assistance/opinions if asked. It is great to see players like TP, Gingut, WTS, Grief, Ziderovic, Phan, Thomas, Parkes, Hamburger, Hartley, Seers and Xingui, all come from my u21 management days and continue through to the NT. I feel privileged to have been a part of their development and as a result we have some very skilful and knowledgeable managers in our Aussie community. I also thank these managers who have taught me things along the way and will always take the opportunity to learn more about this game. It is mutually beneficial.
Finally, I have a history in staying involved in the team, and providing weekly information. I am trying my hardest to dedicate continual time to this role and give it the time it deserves. I am seeking information on ways other nations run their national teams to keep managers involved as I believe it is about the journey that you, the manager, gets from having a player on the u21 that is important. This has been my belief from day one running an NT, and my wish is to ensure this happens at both u21 and senior NT level. If we can engage the managers of the players, we can unify our targets and develop better individual players, better national teams, more experienced managers and more diverse tactics. My wish is to work alongside the senior NT to ensure this happens, which is why I have thrown a few questions in the forum to understand where we can improve.
Thanks, and happy 40th season to Buzzerbeater.
Whitewind