GB Olympian Isla Norman-Bell on Ultimate Sevens: team mix, home crowd and what young players should do next

# What happened at the West London finale Sevens tournament on 24 September. Pacific Current beat Atlantic Novas 12-6 in the women's final. In the aftermath, GB sevens player Isla Norman-Bell gave her reaction to the competition and to playing in front of a home crowd.

# How the teams were built and why that mattered Ultimate Sevens franchised players into six teams: Atlantic Novas, Pacific Current, Sol Feroz, Athletic Albion, Clan Taran and Foudre Bleue. That meant players who normally competed as rivals on the SVNS international circuit found themselves as teammates.

This created two practical on-field challenges:

• Communication: players arrived using different terminology for the same moves — for example, some called a play a "switch," others a "cut." Teams had to agree on a single vocabulary quickly.
• Style alignment: despite different backgrounds, many players wanted to play fast. Teams needed short, clear plans to combine diverse skills into a coherent game plan.

Norman-Bell said the Atlantic Novas managed that process quickly, choosing unified calls after their first training session and relying on English as a common working language among teammates.

# Why home matters: Norman-Bell on playing locally

# The tournament's concept and its effect on players and fans By mixing nationalities and club affiliations into franchised squads, Ultimate Sevens produced matchups that would not occur under the traditional SVNS format. That variety exposed fans to new combinations of playing styles and put familiar rivals on the same side, creating fresh tactical dynamics and interpersonal adaptation within squads.

For players, the event required quick social and tactical integration. Norman-Bell highlighted that many teammates could speak English, which helped, and that the group gelled quickly enough to execute complex plays on the field.

Norman-Bell offered short, direct guidance for young players interested in sevens:

• Give it a go: try sevens and the different demands of the shortened format.
• Work hard: consistent effort and training open opportunities.
• Enjoy it: she emphasized that fun and team spirit are central to the sevens experience and what draws crowds.

# What this means going forward

Norman-Bell's reflections are practical: fast consensus on tactics, clear communication, and a focus on enjoyment alongside hard work are the operational takeaways for teams and young players alike.