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PSHEE

A central theme of Fast Girls is the tension between the girls chosen to represent the UK in the 4 x 100m relay. One of the central characters, Shania, does not regard herself as a "team player".

In this clip we see Shania introduced to the other girls in the relay squad and to the team physio. What are your first impressions of these characters and what predictions can you make about how some of their relationships might develop?

What qualities do you think are needed to be a team player? To start your discussion, think about the following qualities and decide which three you think are the most important for an excellent "team player":

Kindness
Flexibility
Assertiveness
Strength
Modesty
Trust
Competitiveness
Energy
Self-discipline
Sense of humour
Dedication
Pride
Stubbornness

Aside from the individual characteristics of those in the team, what else do you think is needed to make a good team?

Clip transcript

Coach: Hello. So, how you feeling?

Shania: Bit like I’m gonna be arrested for trespassing but I’m alright, thank you. How are you?

Coach: Hmm, you know. Divorced. Stressed. Underpaid. Think I found a lump in the shower this morning. Heh, but this isn’t about me, this is about you. You’re here because you are the third ranked woman in Britain. So how about doubling your chances of a medal?

Shania: What do you mean?

Coach: Relay. I’ve got a space on the team and it’s yours if you want it.

Shania: Yeah... I’ve never really run the relay before.

Coach: Same principle as the solos: run fast, win race (laughs).

Shania: Yeah, I’m just - I’m not very good with teams though.

Coach: Come and meet the girls.

Shania: Alright.

Coach: (To the team) Hey, what you guys doing standing around?

Rachel: Standing and stretching, coach.

Coach: Yeah, stretching, my arse. Limber up, please. Before you do, I want you to meet Shania... Andrews?

Shania: Andrews, yeah.

Coach: Shania Andrews, this is my relay squad. The fastest girls in Britain. (Points to the girls) Rachel, long jump. Belle and Sarah, hurdles. Lisa Temple, you know. And of course the legend that is Trix Warren, hundred metres.

Shania: (to the team) You alright?

Carl: I’m Carl, team physio. Welcome to the team.

Coach: Carl will be yours throughout the season. His brutal touch, your reward for being a part of the relay squad.

Carl: I’ll be gentle.

Trix Warren: So, what? She’s joining us then, Tommy?

Coach: Well... she broke 23 in Surrey last week so I think that’s worth an invite, don’t you?

Lisa Temple: Yeah, we’ll see.

Coach: (Turning back to Shania) Great, well, we work around everyone’s solo events and there’s a relay practice at the end of the week. So... are you up for it?

Shania: Alright.

Coach: Good girl. In the meantime, have fun. Bond. Love it. Medals. Let’s go.

Sarah: Welcome.

Shania: Thanks. (To Belle) Alright?

Belle: Cool, hun.

Shania: (To Lisa Temple) I have dreamed about being here my whole life, man, I can’t actually believe I’m here.

Lisa Temple: (Laughs) Me neither.