We all woke up to another wonderful day in Madrid, the sun was shining and everyone was keen to get started with their learning.

Firstly the coaches had a session in the morning which was aimed at coach education. The session was based around progression of exercises with the stick smash. There was lots of very good discussion through the session and the coaches had the opportunity to get on court and practice new exercises and techniques.

At the same time the players were put through their paces to get started and shape up for the coming weeks events.

The second session of the day was another training session for the players, which was aimed at the stick smash. This was also the first session of the week where the coaches were able to get on court and get involved in developing the players.

Following the session was the first big match of the week. This took place between four of the staff coaches, Joanne S L Quay of Malaysia and Rob Wetherell of England winning the titanic battle against Lim Kenn of Malaysia and Alan Mcllvain of Scotland 23/21.

In the afternoon the players played in a singles tournament. At times the atmosphere was electric with some fantastic games being played. In the end Dimitur Delchev of Bulgaria won the boys event and it was the home girl Maria Vijande winning the girls singles on her home soil.

Last events of the day was based around the coaches, they spent time analysing their players and then started their planning late into the night for the coming weeks sessions.

by Rob Wetherell (England), staff-coach

Today was a tiring day, because we worked for long hours, but I learned some new things on which I have to work and improve. I made some new friends; I hope the next days will be less tiring and that we’ll have a lot of funJ

by Dea Baze (Albania), player

It has been a great day with a lot of hard work and fun. I like the working system here. I am looking forward to the rest of the week.

by Andres Quadri Lazcano (Mexico), player

It has been a long and heavy day and I’m not yet used to the warmth. I made already many friends and had a lot of fun. The accommodation is good but it is sooo warm everywhere.

by Nick Marcoen (Belgium), player

Very hard day both mentally and physically. Good to meet new players on court and off court.

by Ben Torrance (Scotland), player

Today was hard but a lot of fun too and very hot!

by Sara Hognadottir (Iceland), player

It was a great start into a week of training. I felt good standing on the court and play.

by Klaudia Gruenfelder (Italy), player

I’m Antonio from Madrid and I am the first coach who lost my accreditation!
My English is terrible but I try to get better. Today I am very tired. Today we had a hard day or work.

by Antonio Gomez (Spain), coach

I am enjoying this week and I am meeting lots of interesting people. I have also learnt a bit so far.

by Hargiono (Luxembourg), coach