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National Team players assist during Cadets Try-out
 Nederlandse tekst
NIEUWEGEIN (Neth.) - Today, the first try-out was held for players in the Cadets-age category (born in 1995 or 1996).
Another try-out is scheduled to be held later this year.
Eventually, this must lead to the forming of the Dutch National Cadets Softball Team, which will participate in next years European Championship, to be held in August 2011 in Deurne (Belgium).
In today's try-out, a total of 67 players participated from 25 different clubs.
The most of these players represented HCAW, which had 10 players registered for the try-out.
The following clubs had players representing them at the try-out: Alcmaria Victrix (7 players), Almere '90 (2), Amsterdam Pirates (2), Birds (1), The Braves (2), DSS (4), Gryphons (1), HCAW (10), Hilversum Hurricanes (1), Hoofddorp Pioniers (2), Kinheim (2), Losdun Lakers (1), Onze Gezellen (3), OVVO (7), Panters (2), Ridderkerk Rowdies (1), Roef! (2), Schiedam (1), Sparks Haarlem (2), Storks (1), Tex Town Tigers (7), TIW-Survivors (1), Twins (2), UVV (1) and Vlaardingen Holy (2).
The try-out was held under the auspices of the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Association, which was represented by Gijs Selderijk, who is responsible for Player Development at the Head Office.
The organisation, administration and instructing, however, was done by the coaching and supporting staffs of the Dutch National Softball Teams, led by Head Coach Craig Montvidas.
All 16 available players of the Dutch National Team were on hand today to assist at the different stations and instruct during the several drills.
Kim Donkers and Anouk van den Heuvel could not be in Nieuwegein as they played today with their clubteam Euro Stars against the Dutch National Junior Team.
The three remaining players on the preliminary roster could not be there, as they are currently abroad: pitcher Ginger de Weert, catcher Nathalie Timmermans (both in the USA) and outfielder Saskia Kosterink (who is in Italy).
Before the start of the try-out, Craig Montvidas addressed all players, as well as their parents and coaches, and talked about the set-up of the day.
Also speaking was Dutch National Team-pitcher Rebecca Soumeru, who talked about her own career and what she had done, and also what is needed, to reach the national team and participate in numerous international events, including the Olympic Games of 2008 in Beijing.
Based on today's performances, a cut will be made in a week.
The players, who made the cut will be invited to participate in a practice game on Monday, May 24 during the upcoming Softball Gala at the site of Olympia Haarlem.
During the upcoming winter, this group will start practices to prepare for next years European Championship and then will be joined by the players, who will make the cut after the second try-out, to be held this Fall.
The participating players are being briefed before the start of the try-out
Parents and coaches are also being informed about today's try-out
Sitting at right is Gijs Selderijk, who is responsible for player development at the KNBSB-Office
Dutch National Team-player Rebecca Soumeru and Head Coach Craig Montvidas addressed everyone
At right, Team Manager Paul Boonstra is going through his administration
Rebecca Soumeru, Fabienne van Uden and Britt Vonk are waiting for their first group of players
Players listen to instructions
It was cloudy and cold today, but luckily is stayed dry
Meike Witteveen, Nadine Marinus and Merel Oosterveld instructed during another drill...
...and also gave instructions...
...and looked on when players performed in the drill
This trio didn't need a try-out
Players at work during a fielding drill
Solange Starrenburg rolls a ball during a fielding drill
And Chantal Versluis does the same
The catchers got their own series of drills
Anne Blaauwgeers working with the catchers
Karin Tuk and Anne Blaauwgeers instructed the catchers
Coach Nancy Evans and pitcher Dagmar Bloeming
Flex Coach Nathalie Franssen also was one of the instructors
Nancy Evans and Dagmar Bloeming go over the details
Virginie Anneveld and Areke Spel check their notes...
...and then address their group of players
Femke van Dusschoten and Kirsten Scheele throw batting practice
Nathalie Gosewehr makes notes
Several parents and coaches looked on from the clubhouse
Action on the field...
...and behind the plate
Nathalie Gosewehr and Physical Therapist Anouk Fermont have a talk
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