The Countdown to the Euro’s is on!

The squads have been announced and the air is filled with a competitive buzz. Sporting excitement has reached astronomic levels over the Olympics and there’s another major event in the calendar - The Touch European Championships in Treviso, Italy, from 12th to 16th September.

This year’s team members have been through the toughest selection process to date. A new ‘nationals’ scheme was trialed this year offering more development within the regions and a weekend of competition for the selectors to pick the strongest possible squads. England is the only nation to enter teams in all divisions, showing our dedication and development to all categories. View the final selections here - National Squads 2012

Now the domestic season is over all focus is on the finishing touches of the elite squads. There’s one last weekend of ‘team bonding’ at Lilleshall for all squads. Policies will be practiced and moves polished before getting on the plane to Italy, in a bid to reclaim our title as European Champions.

With 49 teams from 15 nations the 2012 Euro’s are gearing up to be as exciting as ever.

England Touch Head of Elite Coaching, Dave Woolley, says,

"The England squad for the 2012 European Championships is the strongest ever to have been assembled. The National tournament in April proved that the strength and depth of Touch in England continues to grow year-on-year and all the coaches and backroom staff are hugely excited by the opportunity to demonstrate the talent we have on the international stage. Every team is genuinely capable of winning their division, and with final preparations underway I would like to wish all our athletes the best of success; with the effort and application they have demonstrated, they deserve it."

Good Luck England - go for gold!