Karen Burton Named GB U20 Women’s Head Coach

Karen Burton has been handed the task of leading Great Britain Under-20 Women’s side this summer after earning a promotion from her previous role as Assistant Coach.

The play-caller will succeed senior women’s head coach Peter Buckle, who led the U20 team last year and will be at the helm for this year’s edition of the U20 European Championship Women Division B in Montenegro.

Appointed after a highly competitive recruitment process, National Teams Director, Warwick Cann is delighted that the newly installed coach is able to ensure some continuity.

He confirmed “Karen was the standout candidate and she brings knowledge at this level, as well as an understanding for the undoubted challenge which lies ahead.

“She is ready to hit the ground running and can build upon last year’s work under Coach Buckle.

“She is also likely to benefit from the familiarity and relationships she has with as many as nine returning players.

“Karen has always focused on developing her coaching attributes and she knows the British style,” added Cann.

Burton coaches at WBBL (Women’s British Basketball League) side Barking Abbey Crusaders and is thrilled to now be leading her country.

“I am really excited to be given the opportunity to lead this programme for 2015,” she confirmed.

“While a tough schedule ahead, my aim is to make sure the depth of British talent we have in this group remains focused and they continue on the pathway towards the senior women’s team.

“Last year was a great learning opportunity to see how to effectively use the limited court time national teams have available during each summer, in order to get the most out of the squad.”

Great Britain are scheduled to play a gruelling nine games in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica during July, with the tournament schedule as follows:

02/07 v Israel
03/07 v Austria
04/07 v Greece
06/07 v Montenegro
07/07 v Sweden
08/07 v Bulgaria
10/07 v Lithuania
11/07 v Bosnia and Herzegovina
12/07 v Romania

Image Credit: FIBA Europe

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