Young Table Tennis Stars Gear Up for European Youth Championships with Confidence

Players and coaches from England’s Cadet cohort are brimming with confidence as they prepare for the upcoming European Youth Championships (EYC) set to commence this Friday in Portugal. The team, led by 14-year-old Alyssa Nguyen, aims to build on their recent experiences and successes to achieve notable results at this prestigious event.

Confidence from Past Experiences

Alyssa Nguyen, who recently participated in her first major senior tournament at the London 2026 World Championships, shared her excitement about competing at EYC. Despite not playing in the World Championships, she highlighted the positives of learning from the world’s best players, believing that these insights will prove invaluable in her European competition. "Seeing how they played and what I could learn from them is something I can take into the Europeans," she remarked.

Thorough Preparation

The entire Cadet team has dedicated significant time to preparation, engaging in various drills at the Elite Training Centre in Sheffield. Alyssa mentioned a focus on consistency and communication as they strategize for their matches. Moreover, the team has explored doubles combinations to enhance their performance collectively. "We’re working on a lot of communication, trying to figure out the best way to play," she added.

First-Time Opportunities and Sharing Knowledge

Among the squad, first-time participants Dimitar Dimitrov and Oscar Nikolli are eager to gain experience alongside the seasoned Pablo Ramriez Rioja. Ramirez recognizes the importance of sharing knowledge and strategies from last year's event, which he believes will empower their performance. "I learned a lot last year, and I hope to share some tips with my teammates," he stated.

Striving for Improvement

Coaches Charlotte Carey and Ben Barlow emphasize the significance of learning from prior experiences. Carey noted that this year's team is better prepared compared to last year's performance. "They don’t look as tired this year, which is a good sign for our conditioning going into the competition," she expressed. Barlow added that their recent success at the Table Tennis Hopes Open European Games bodes well for the boys’ team, reinforcing a culture of confidence and a winning environment.

As the Cadet team approaches this challenging event, they are united by a shared enthusiasm and readiness to compete, aiming to make a mark on the European stage. With their solid preparation and a supportive coaching team, these young athletes are set to give their best and potentially realize their dreams in table tennis.