basketballscotland are pleased to announce an addition to the Scotland Under 16 Men coaching team. A unique set of circumstances as arisen that necessitates the addition of an experienced coach to lead the team at the European Championships, Division C in July.

Head Coach Colin Haldane is studying towards a Masters degree which contains three exams on the week of the tournament, a different week than originally indicated to Colin.

Assistant Coach Russel Kesson is part way through a significant 3-year developmentopportunity - supported by basketballscotland– the FIBA Europe Coach Certificate (FECC). The dates for the FECC clash with the Under 16 tournament. The development of Russel’s coaching abilities will have a lasting impact on many players over the course of Russel’s coaching in Scotland and therefore a long-term view dictates that the FECC must be prioritised.

These exams and FECC commitments have combined with the unusual late timing of the Under 16 tournament to create a situation that was very unlikely to occur and cannot be avoided.

As a result, Trudie Hopgood will step into the Head Coach role for the European Championship tournaments.

The addition of Trudie is made after a process of identifying existing NationalSquad coaches that have both the experience and availability to take on this role.

Trudie is also the Scotland Senior Women Head Coach but there will be no impact on the Senior Women squad. The Women’s European Championships conclude three weeks before the Under 16 Men tournament allowing Trudie to fully focus on each tournament as it happens. Trudie will not miss any Senior Women training or games as a result of her additional role and will attend Under 16 Men sessions during the preparation phase whenever her Senior Women’s commitments allow.

Trudiehas outstanding coaching knowledge and experience. More information about Trudie is available here.

She also has prior experience with this group of players having coached many of them with the Talent Development Programme last season.

The addition of Trudie has the full support of the incumbent head coach and the incumbent coaches will coach the squad throughout the preparation phase. Trudie and Colin will work closely together on the technical content of the squad with Trudie contributing much behind the scenes as well as on court.

Colin said “I’ll be delighted to work closely with Trudie. Her knowledge and experience will help the players achieve their potential.”

SimonTurner, Player Development Manager, said “this situation has created a realchallenge but I’m very pleased that after all the options were considered we have reached a great solution for the players. I’m sure they will respond to this unique opportunity to work with Trudie while also benefiting from Colinand Russel’s ongoing involvement. “

Current Manager/Second Assistant coach Neil Connell will continue in his role and gowith the team to the European Championships.