A squad day has been organised in conjunction with Nottingham Trent University on Sunday 4th December 2016 for invited adults and Young Kennel Club (YKC) agility handlers who want to be a part of Agility Team GB in 2017.
The day, which will assist Agility Team GB Manager, Mark Laker and the coaching team in making the final team selections, is designed to test dogs and handlers in a variety of situations typically associated with international competitions, such as team events, international style courses, performing under pressure, and accumulated individual runs.
Adult handlers have been submitting squad points throughout the year at agility shows in order to work towards a squad invitation. In October, the coaching team will choose those who they want to invite onto the squad, when they will begin their team selection process.
Any YKC members who are interested in being part of YKC Agility Team GB should submit their interest by completing the form by Friday 4th November.
A second squad event will take place on 25-26th February 2017, details to be announced shortly, where the coaching staff will select the 2017 YKC team. The adult squad will have a further Performance Weekend, where the final team will be chosen.
Structures of each day will be confirmed nearer to the date, but will consist of a mixture of seminars and agility competition runs.
Mark Laker said: “Our recent performances with the YKC team and previous adult teams indicate that the squad process works. We will continue evolving this format to select the best prepared teams and to ensure these days provide value to the handlers.”
The squad days will help to ensure that Agility Team GB is fully prepared to compete at the European Open in Italy and the World Championships in the Czech Republic in 2017 (dates tbc). The YKC Agility Team GB will only compete at the European Open Junior Championship, which has been confirmed to be held in Luxembourg from 13-16th July 2017.
Agility Team GB is sponsored by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds, the Kennel Club, Gencon, Khyam, First Contact, Nottingham Trent University, Eurotunnel, Agility1st andVale Referrals. YKC Agility Team GB is supported by CSJ Specialist Canine Feeds, the Kennel Club, Nottingham Trent University and the Kennel Club. Both teams receive office support from Alex Paisey, Gina Sansom and Kate Broers at the Kennel Club.