With the success of the Israel U15 team still fresh in the minds of all involved in local cricket, preparations have begun for the U13 'B' European Championships which will be hosted by Italy in August 2002.

A break from school for the week long Chanuka holiday provided the perfect opportunity to start preparing the squad. Over 20 players attended two coaching sessions at the Hadar Yosef nets, whilst a practice game was played in Ashdod today. Although 8 months still remain until the young players parade their skills in Italy, and there will be a number of further opportunities for all the potential players to press for a place in the final squad, the nucleas of the team already seems to have been formed.

All plans for the 2002 season are geared towards making sure the U13 team receives the best possible preparation for Italy. An U13 league will be introduced for the first time, joining the U15 league which was started last season. Coaching clinics and practice games, together with the weekly practices held in the numerous playing centers across the country, will complement the league program.

© Israel Cricket Association