Bringing volleyball to Birmingham

Beach sport set to be an unlikely Games highlight

If you were under the impression that beach volleyball was something you did in your Speedos on a Spanish beach, think again. Twins Javier and Joaquin Bello will be among the leading contenders in the Commonwealth Games event being staged at the former Smithfield Market site in Birmingham. Chamberlink deputy editor DAN HARRISON spoke to the twins about their hopes in a competition that couldn’t be further from the sea.

Dan Harrison

By Dan Harrison

As one of the most landlocked parts of the UK, Birmingham would seem an unlikely venue for an international showcase of beach volleyball.

But Commonwealth Games hopefuls Javier and Joaquin Bello believe a wave of youngsters from the second city could be inspired to take up the sport on the back of next summer’s spectacle.

The Bello twins are the highestplaced English team in beach volleyball’s world rankings and hope to go for gold on the purpose-built sand court at Smithfield in 12 months time.

The former Smithfield wholesale markets site, in the shadow of the iconic Bullring and Rotunda buildings in Birmingham city centre, will also host the Games’ basketball and wheelchair basketball competitions.

Born in Madrid, the Bello twins moved to London at the age of 10 and have been at the vanguard of the English volleyball effort since their teens, cleaning up at national tournaments, as well as claiming gold at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas.

For the duo, who turn 21 this month, Birmingham 2022 presents an opportunity for personal glory and to pique interest in a sport that only made its Commonwealth Games bow three years ago on Australia’s Gold Coast.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our sport,” said Javier, “to have people watching, to have people being inspired to play and to leave some kind of legacy.

“That’s one of our goals – not just to compete but give a good image of our sport.”

Beach volleyball remains a minority sport on these shores, with England some way behind traditional powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, the United States and the current No.1 team from Norway.

Joaquin points out: “Since London 2012 beach volleyball hasn’t had much exposure, so Birmingham 2022 is a great opportunity for it to be seen again in the UK and for it to grow.”

Team England: Javier and Joaquin with other members of Team England Lauren Huggins and Victoria Palmer

‘Birmingham could be a new hub for beach players’

With Volleyball England yet to determine its selection criteria, the Bello twins must wait to learn of their prospects for Birmingham 2022. Nevertheless, they are excited by the impact the Games could have on Birmingham, in terms of increased participation and new facilities.

“There are some volleyball clubs in the area – just not beach volleyball courts,” adds Javier.

All action: Javier rises to the challenge

“So I think the Games could have a similar effect in Birmingham and help to spread the sport around England a bit more.

“This will provide a chance to build some courts in the area after the games. After London 2012, they used the sand and some of the equipment to build facilities around London – we train in one of those now.

“At the moment, most of the players live in London and the south. Birmingham could be a new hub for beach players.”

Focus: Joaquin in action