The two Under 16 teams of Netherlands won the European U16 Youth Championships last weekend. In the boys’ final, the Dutch team defeated Belgium (7-4) in the final. In the girls U16 final, Netherlands was stronger than England (2-1).

The European U16 Youth Championships was the first ever Qualification tournament for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, which will take place in Singapore. Looking at the results, both Dutch teams are qualified, but according to the IOC rules for the Youth Olympic Games, each NOC can only have one team sport team present at the Youth Olympic Games.

Results European U16 Youth Championships:

Boys:
Final: Belgium – Netherlands 4-7 (1-4)
Bronze medal match: Russia – Spain 0-4 (0-2)

Final Ranking:
1. Netherlands (European U16 Youth Champions)
2. Belgium
3. Spain
4. Russia
5. England
6. Ireland
7. Austria (relegated to Trophy in 2010)
8. Italy (relegated to Trophy in 2010)

Girls:
Final: Netherlands – England 2-1 (1-1)
Bronze medal match: Ireland – Spain 1-3 (1-1)

Final Ranking:
1. Netherlands (European U16 Youth Champions)
2. England
3. Spain
4. Ireland
5. Belgium
6. Czech Republic
7. Lithuania (relegated to Trophy in 2010)
8. Italy (relegated to Trophy in 2010)