Russia

Having first joined together after the second Youth Games in Moscow in 2002, this Russian team has done well to become a impressive unit with players coming from so many different regions such as Ekaterinburg, Tula, Cheliabinsk, Shuia, Lipetsk, Samara and Moscow.

An impressive training programme has helped with the first one having started in December last year and so far their results, including first place at a European Championships qualification tournament, have been a just reward for their work.

The team participated in an international tournament in Slovakia in June 2003 and finished 2nd amongst six teams including Austria, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. And following the Tournament Russia's superior form was recognished with players such as Maria Borodakova "the best blocker" walking away with best plazer titles. Alizarova Tatiana was named "the best spiker".

The second training camp in April, prepared the team for the 2003 European Championship in Croatia, where they finished fourth. The player of the team Kabeshova Ekaterina was titled as "the best libero".

Russia's third training camp, which started in June has them well primed for the Girls Youth World Championship.

Team Captain: Maria Borodakova, born 08.03.1986.
The player of STINOL Lipetsk Volleyball club participated in the Girls U20 European Championship in 2002 where Russia finish 6th.
" During the World Championship I'd like to get to know new teams properly and to play on high level".