3Touch October

OCTOBER 2011 www.volleyballengland.org

ID INS

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF VOLLEYBALL ENGLAND

D E:

ON A I N N TH TR O O D NY M BE U CI NG T HALL OF FAME H E MAL E PLAYE RS

Beach Volleyball Special All the action from this year’s beach volleyball

ECVD Continental Cup

England host prestigious International sitting volleyball competition

NEW COACHING PACKS From Volleyball England

Volley Sport VolleySport is designed for players with little or no experience of volleyball working at Key Stage 1 and 2 or beginner groups starting volleyball for the first time.

Mini Volley Mini Volley aims to build on player’s experiences of VolleySport and is primarily focused at those working at Key Stage 3 or groups that have limited previous experience.

Super Mini Volley Super Mini Volley provides the key link in the transition from small-sided volley games to the 6v6 version. It is aimed at players working at Key Stage 4 or those with a sound foundation in Mini.

Young Referee The Volleyball Leaders award is suitable for Year 10 (Key Stage 4) and above students, young club members or anyone wishing to develop their skills through coaching, refereeing and organising community volleyball activity.

Young Leaders The Young Referees award is suitable for 14 - 19 year olds and will enable the candidates to competently officiate all of the smallsided game formats of the Let’s Play Volleyball programme.

The course is mainly practical in nature and referees learn skills through active participation in fun and interactive activities.

For more information please visit www.volleyballengland.org

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4 WELCOME

Welcome messages from Chief Executive Lisa Wainwright and President Richard Callicott

5 VOLLEYNEWS

News and Views from the world of volleyball On the cover: Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns at the VISA FIVB London International.

Photo Courtesy: Mark Pritchard Bimonthly - Volume 10 - No 3 ISSN 1479-0785 If you would like your news or views printed in 3Touch Volleyball, get in touch with the editor at: Volleyball England SportPark, Loughborough University, No. 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3QF E-mail: info@volleyballengland.org Tel: 01509 227 722 Fax: 01509 227 733 English Volleyball Association Ltd. is registered in England number 2023635.

Published October 2011 by

Newark Street, Accrington, Lancs BB5 0BP Email: info@mercer-print.co.uk Designed by Paul Jones Editorial Board: Lisa Wainwright - Chief Executive Rob Harding - Head of Marketing and Communications Mark Pritchard - New Media Officer Subscriptions/Merchandise: £3 per issue, £15 annually Volleyball England: 01509 227 722 © Volleyball England 2011 For all queries regarding subscriptions, non-receipt and address changes, email Volleyball England at info@ volleyballengland.org or write to Volleyball England at the address shown above.

Please include your affiliation number in all correspondence.

Although this is an official publication of Volleyball England, the views expressed in this magazine may not be those of the Association. Products appearing in 3Touch Volleyball magazine are not necessarily endorsed by Volleyball England.

All contributions welcomed. These should be emailed to the editor at info@volleyballengland.org, where possible, or sent to Volleyball England for the attention of the editor, 3Touch Volleyball magazine. All photographs should be captioned to identify their contents and the photographer noted to acknowledge the source.

Volleyball England Equality Statement: Volleyball England supports the principle of equal opportunities for all participants, members, representatives and employees whilst working for, or on behalf of the EVA. It opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination on the grounds of age, colour, race, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, sexuality, HIV status, or unrelated criminal convictions, or disability.

8 CLUB DEVELOPMENT

An update on Volleyball England’s exciting new campaign to get more people playing volleyball called Go Spike

30 REFEREES

An update from the recent Referees Commission Conference

31 COMPETITIONS UPDATE

A new look playoff format for the Super8s

features 10 ECVD CONTINENTAL CUP

Report and photos from the Great Britain Men’s Sitting Volleyball teams performance at the ECVD Continental Cup at the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering

14 BEACH OLYMPIC TEST EVENT

Report and photos from the beach volleyball Olympic Test Event, VISA FIVB Beach Volleyball International, held in Horse Guards Parade, London

17 VOLLEYBALL ENGLAND BEACH TOUR (VEBT)

Reports on the Volleyball England Beach Tour (VEBT) Final in Bournemouth

20 OLYMPIC LEGACY STARTS IN LONDON

An update on Volleyball England’s three new Beach Volleyball Courts in London

21 DON ANTHONY HALL OF FAME

In the final part of the series, we meet the Men’s players who were inducted into the inaugural Don Anthony Hall of Fame

26 SAINSBURY’S UK SCHOOL GAMES

Reports, photos and quotes from the Sainsbury’s UK School Games

28 INDOOR OLYMPIC TEST EVENT

Report and photos from the recent indoor volleyball Olympic Test Event, the London International Invitational, held in Earls Court, London www.volleyballengland.org

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e m o c l e w

Lisa Wainwright - CEO June, July and August have seen some fabulous events being staged in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012. Our volunteers, staff and athletes did us proud with many compliments coming from LOCOG, FIVB, ECVD, national stakeholders, press and members alike. Through superb planning, true partnerships and some very very long hours Volleyball in England has demonstrated we can deliver – well done to all, let’s maintain focus for the year ahead.

Alongside this, and just as important are the wider reviews we and our partners undertake with our members and clubs.

As you may know we open up a member’s survey each year via the website and this has just concluded with over 400 people responding. Also as part of our grant awards from Sport England a selection of our clubs and elite

players take part in a survey, the Sports Satisfaction Survey, and we have recently been given the results from this, and finally, the Sport and Recreation Alliance undertake a survey of sports clubs each year. Volleyball was part of this with 26 of our clubs responding.

So what has come through all this research? Some of the biggest issues for volleyball clubs (and many other sports clubs) are recruiting new members, accessing funds and sponsorship, generating sufficient income, increased facility costs, maintaining, recruiting and retaining volunteers and retaining members. Specifically from the volleyball members survey, by far the biggest issues raised was the quality and access to affordable and appropriate facilities. This was mirrored in the Sports Satisfaction Survey.

In view of these issues, we are reviewing our membership services, to see how we can serve you better and hopefully help support clubs who have challenges with their facility providers also. We are part of a group of indoor sports that meet quarterly with the Sport England Facilities Team and we have placed this high on the agenda. We have also drafted a new volunteer strategy and just started the new Volunteer Leadership Programme with 10 recruits this year! If you have any tips on recruiting new volunteers or members please do let us know by contacting me via email or Ilona Berry – i.berry@ volleyballengland.org In terms of membership and trying to increase numbers, many of you will have now heard of the new Go Spike campaign that kicked off this summer – thanks to many clubs for supporting this

– 28 clubs have been successful as part of the Team to Club Programme – with the aim of helping to get more members, 10 sites will have semi permanent volleyball nets installed shortly and three beach hubs have been opened in London to increase provision for both new clubs and casual players.

We know there is still so much more to do! A full report on actions from the surveys results will be produced and will form work plans for staff in the office and I know the hundreds of volunteers on the ground will continue to support their clubs regardless of the limited funding available and volunteers available. As ever, thank you for all your support – volleyball is being noticed and we are definitely punching way above our weight!

Richard Callicott - President It has been an incredibly busy few months, with a number of high profile events starting with ECVD Continental Cup for sitting volleyball through to the indoor and beach Olympic Test events in Earls Court and Horse

Guards Parade. All our teams did themselves proud with some excellent results in all these competitions.

These have all put volleyball centre stage and the reaction to our great sport has been remarkable, with so many positive comments from stakeholders and the press alike.

It’s important we grasp hold of these opportunities and ensure the legacy of volleyball starts now and continues way beyond 2012. My thanks go to all our volunteers, staff and athletes who worked at the events, putting in huge amounts of time and effort to ensure they met the highest of standards.

Legacy has already started through the building of three

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new beach volleyball courts in London, using the sand from the Test Event. To be able to say that we are putting in our legacy one year before the 2012 Games means we will be able to enthuse young people and run coaching clinics and teach people about Beach volleyball so that they can enjoy the Games even more.

Not only that, but through our new Go Spike campaign we are inspiring new adults to play the sport across the country. Go Spike now has over 50 affiliated clubs playing a part in the campaign getting people into volleyball and this will continue into 2012 and beyond.

In September, I had the great privilege of attending the CEV General Assembly in Vienna.

The Confederation of European Volleyball Association now has 55 members who all attended the assembly to listen about the latest developments in our sport and new the partnerships being forged between international federations. During the Assembly, it was officially announced that the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering is to be a FIVB Regional Development Centre. This is fantastic news, not only for our sport in England but an indication of the significant steps we are making on the world stage.

As always many thanks for all your effort and hard work.

Be assured of our on going appreciation and support. Let’s continue to share knowledge and work together to grow this great sport even more!

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Delight for men’s sitting volleyball team as BPA confirm acceptance of their host nation slot The GB men’s sitting volleyball team has been given the good news that the British Paralympic Association has accepted their host nation slot for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The decision to endorse the slot was made by the BPA’s Qualification and Selection Panel following the GB men’s team performance at the recent ECVD Continental Cup where the team put in a strong display including beating the USA, ranked 10th in the world, to secure 7th place at the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering.

Commenting on the decision, Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of the BPA said, “It has always been our ambition to have representation across all Paralympic sports at our home Games, but equally we have maintained that the sports have to demonstrate credible performance. We’re therefore delighted to be able to confirm this slot.”

Men’s Beach Pair create history British beach volleyball pair Gregg Weaver and Jody Gooding had an incredible run at the Quebec Jeep Open (part of the FIVB World Beach Tour) in July. The British pair finished in a record breaking 13th position- the highest ever position for a British men’s pair at a FIVB World Beach Tour event. Their winning run included victory against the competition’s third and thirteenth seeds.

Richard Callicott, Chairman of GB Volleyball expressed his delight at the announcement. He said, “I’m so proud that all the athletes”, staff’s and volunteer’s efforts and particularly recent results have been rewarded with their inclusion into the Paralympics GB team and will include a men’s sitting volleyball team in 2012. The hard work doesn’t stop here though, everyone is focused on giving their best performance in London and of course every member of the squad now has to work to prove their place on the team”.

Lisa Wainwright, CEO of Volleyball England is delighted with the progress the whole sitting volleyball programme has achieved over the last two years, and particularly with the recent opportunity for inclusion of the sport in the new Sport England ‘talent’ funding programme.

“It has been a mammoth challenge to deliver such significant progress across the GB Men’s Performance Squad alongside the wider community programme in just two years. With the clear vision, targeted support and a willingness to try creative recruitment with massive volunteer support, we are rightly proud of our achievements to date.”

National Volleyball Centre officially announced as FIVB Regional Development Centre

Royal Mail issue Beach Volleyball Stamp Royal Mail has issued their final set of ten 1st Class stamps to celebrate the one year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Titled ‘Get ready for 2012’, the Special Stamp issue features classic Olympic sports including Beach Volleyball!

Jody Gooding

Weaver and Gooding are one of a number of British men’s pairs attempting to qualify for London 2012.

In March 2011, The British Olympic Association granted Great Britain’s men’s and women’s beach volleyball teams one place each at London 2012 Olympics. A second team can join them if they attain a top-16 world ranking before the end of June 2012. The Olympic beach volleyball event will run from 28 July to 9 August at Horse Guards Parade.

condolences Richard Callicott with FIVB President Wei and CEV President Meyer following the signing of the FIVB Development Centre contract

The National Volleyball Centre has been officially recognised as a FIVB Regional Development Centre. The application has been support by the Government, Sport England and the BOA.

Volleyball England is sad to hear that Jim Wilhelmy, a player with the England Team in 1970s, died on July 23rd. He learnt his volleyball at Avery College and went onto play for Spark. He was a PE Teacher when playing for England. He was also a qualified coach taking the FIVB Coaches Course in Loughborough in 1975. Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

Gregg Weaver

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World Record at International Paralympic Day Fresh after the confirmation of their host nation place at the London 2012 Paralympics, the GB men’s Sitting Volleyball Squad broke a Guinness World record at International Paralympic Day 2011.The team set a world record for the longest sitting volleyball rally with 239 passes.

International Paralympic Day 2011 showcased the 20 Paralympic sports at London 2012, enabling the public to find out more about next year’s Games.

Staged in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most iconic locations, International Paralympic Day was a great opportunity for the public to experience first-hand the inspiration and excitement that the Paralympic Games will bring to the UK and London next year.

A huge number of spectators and national press witnessed the Guinness World Record attempt for Sitting Volleyball and further demonstrations of the sport, supported by Cadburys Spots and Stripes.

The day also witnessed the

conclusion of London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) Corporate Sitting Volleyball Tournament which engaged over 25 of their corporate partners.

Previous to the finals, two qualifying events had been held at the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering, for all corporate partners, with four teams making it through to International Paralympic Day. In the first semi final British Airways took on Nielson while in the other semi final, Channel 4 played LOCOG. All teams put on an excellent display of sitting volleyball but it was British Airways and LOCOG who prevailed, making it through to the Final.

In a close game and supported by a noisy Trafalgar Square crowd, British Airways were crowned champions beating LOCOG 2-1.

British Airways Team Captain Dave Roberts, said: “This has been a wonderful triumph – not only in Daniel Griffin Sitting Volleyball winning the event, but also learning Development Manager holding about a whole new sport. It has the World Record Certificate

Beach Players Marry GB Beach players Denise Johns and Jody Gooding got married on September 4th in Charleston, South Carolina. The ceremony was held on the beach of an island called Folly and the following reception in a large beach front house.

The wedding party comprised about 60 people including Bridesmaid and Denise’s playing partner Lucy Boulton and former playing partners, Jenelle Koester and Alicia Polzin.

“We had a great weekend with friends and family” said Jody, “we decided on a smaller destination wedding and a wedding party in November in the UK.” From a playing perspective, Denise will carry on using her maiden name to avoid confusion.

Congratulations to both from all at volleyball England and 3 Touch.

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really opened our eyes and made us appreciate how skilled the sport is. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and the crowds were brilliant.”

To complete the Paralympic activity, Sitting Volleyball was a demonstration sport at Sainsbury’s Super Saturday on Clapham Common the day after. The day featured demonstrations of Paralympic sport and live music from top UK acts including Pixie Lott, The Saturdays and Olly Murs. All profits from the event went to the Paralympic Legacy Fund, set up in conjunction with Paralympics GB.

DPS Get in the Picture At the Focus Photography Exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC last year, Mark Pritchard, New Media Officer for Volleyball England met up with Tom Molloy, Chairman of the Disabled Photographers Society (DPS).

During their discussion Tom explained that the society’s members were always looking for new subjects to photograph and Mark explained that covering the numerous events was a challenge. It was one of those light bulb moments and the pair sat down to work out how both organisations could work together.

This result of this is that DPS members around the country can now cover events not only for Volleyball England but also at club level and what started as cover for sitting volleyball has now expanded to all forms of the game. Their photographers work to an incredibly high standard and really take pride in their work.

If your club is interested in getting a DPS photographer along, visit www. disabledphotographers.co.uk and get in touch with Tom who will see if they have someone in your area.

Updates from in and around the world of Volleyball. If you have any news that you’d like to share please email info@3touchvolleyball.co.uk

50th accredited Volley 1 club: Bexley VC celebrate at Horse Guards Parade!

Congratulations to Bexley Volleyball Club who in August became Volleyball England’s 50th accredited Volley 1 club! This is a key milestone for the Volley 123 programme, which began back in 2005 and aims to reach 105 accredited clubs by March 2013.

Situated in Bexley on the border of London and Kent, Bexley Volleyball Club is a relatively new, starting only their second full season as a club in 2011/2012. The club was formed to provide a fun and relaxed opportunity for everyone, children and adults alike, to play volleyball with a focus on high quality coaching and fitness.

With members aged from 12 to 50 years old, 95% of which have never played volleyball before and/or been a member of a club, Bexley has introduced volleyball to a brand new group of South Londoners! Thanks to excellent support from the Bexley School Sports Partnership who funded sessions, promoted the club to their pupils, as well as running popular outdoor sessions for all ages. The club has quickly grown and now has expanded to a second weekly session.

For Bexley, achieving Volley 1 was a vital part of their continued club development. Club Secretary Jody Specht commented, “Volley 1 has really helped us as a new club to get all the structures in place to become a successful club serving our local community”. By obtaining the award Bexley have demonstrated that they meet all the minimum operating standards for junior volleyball clubs reassuring parents that they offer a safe environment for young people to play volleyball. Clive Parish, who has two young children playing at the club told us, “As

a parent, seeing Bexley’s Volley 1 accreditation gives us confidence that the club always acts in the best interest of our son and daughter.”

Ten members of the club celebrated their success with complimentary tickets from Volleyball England to the VISA FIVB Beach Volleyball International held in August at Horse Guards Parade. Attending the Friday evening session, they were lucky enough to see both GB Women’s teams play and win! Stuart Johnson, Head of Development, presented them with their Volley 1 certificate in the stands, “Bexley Volleyball Club is an excellent example of a Volley 1 club, they welcome members of all abilities and backgrounds and offer a safe and welcoming place for new players, particularly juniors, to try out our sport. With London 2012 on the horizon it is a real priority for Volleyball England to work with clubs such as Bexley to ensure that we have a high quality network of clubs ready to meet the increased demand that we hope the London 2012 Olympic Games will bring. 50 clubs is a key landmark for us and we look forward to seeing more clubs complete their Volley 1 accreditation over the next 12 months. It was great to meet some Bexley VC members down at the Beach Volleyball in London and I hope they enjoyed the well deserved reward for their hard work!”

Congratulations also to Croydon Volleyball Club and VK Barnet of North London who have also recently been awarded with Volley 1 (Clubmark) accreditation. The number of Volley 1 accredited clubs in the London area is rising fast, great news as the sport looks to welcome thousands of youngsters inspired by the London 2012 games.

Success at FIVB Level 3 Course 11 candidates recently attended an FIVB Level 3 Coaches Course at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering to begin a week of education under the guidance of Course Director, Dr Miloslav Ejem, and the Course Instructor, Mr Tony Westman.

Over the course, the candidates covered a wide range of topics to develop their skills, primarily focussing around working with teams at a National level. As well as the theoretical sessions the coaches worked with the England Men’s Development squad; delivering drills, analysing their performance and carrying out some fitness testing.

All 11 of the candidates passed the course and achieved Level 3 status. Carol Gordon, Head Coach of the England Cadet Boys Team, said “For me, the exchange of ideas was the most important aspect of the course, it gave me a chance to enhance my own coaching philosophy and I hope to apply some of this in the future.

Congratulations to all candidates on their Level 3 qualification - Luis Bello, Carol Gordon, David Goodchild, Craig Handford, Steve Jones, Darren Lewis, Simon Loftus, Peer Nasseir, Bertrand Olie, Mario Stipkov and Luke Thomas

Newcastle Staffs enjoy European Adventure!

The under 18 boys team of Newcastle (Staffs) Volleyball Club travelled to Castellana Grotte in southern Italy from the 9th – 11th September 2011 to take on the continent’s best sides in the Euro Volley Cup. The competition brought together the Under 18 boys national champion club teams from across Europe in an exciting competition run over three days. This is the second consecutive year that Newcastle (Staffs) have represented England in this event.

Team captain Rupert Scott, who has played for the club since the age of 11 and who is also England u19 captain said before the event, “Last year it was incredible but also disappointing because we could have done better, but it was such a good experience. This year we are aiming to progress to finish in the final group stage and go for a medal.”

Newcastle (Staffs) were drawn in Pool B with Roma Volley (IT), Materdomini (IT) and Leixoes (POR).

In a tough first day of competition, Newcastle lost to Italian Superclub Roma 3-0 (25-21,25-21,25-23) and to hosts Materdomini 3-0 (25-15,25-15,25-19).

On day two, Newcastle picked up their first win in the final group game versus Portuguese Champions Leixoes 3-0 (2519,25-13,25-20) and another win in the knock out stages, defeating Tirana (ALB) 3-1 (21-25 25-21 25-15 25-16) to claim a chance of 5th place.

In the 5th/6th playoff Newcastle played Croatians Haok Mladost at the 2000 capacity Pallazzo in Castellana Grotte.

In their best match of the tournament, Newcastle lost 2-0 (25-11, 30-28) to finish 6th in Euro Volley Cup, two places better than they finished last year.

In the final, hosts Materdomini beat fellow Italian side Cuneo 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25 -23) to claim the gold medal.

Final standings 1. Materdomini Volley (Italy), 2.Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo (Italy), 3. Atc Trencin Cop (Slovakia), 4. M. Roma Volley (Italy), 5.

Haok Mladost (Croatia), 6. Newcastle Staff (England), 7. Tirana National Team (Albania), 8. Leixões Sport Club (Portugal)

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clubdevelopment …

E T A D UP

Go Spike launched in June 2011 and since then has been instrumental in spreading the sport of volleyball far and wide across the country to new adults (16+).

External events Go Spike has been present at over 50 events this summer including County Shows, Air Festivals, Charity events, village fetes, shopping centres, Musical festivals and much much more! As a direct result of this over 5,000 new adults have experienced volleyball for the first time.

A key event for the campaign was at the Beach Test Event at Horse Guards Parade where one of the days was spent in the middle of Trafalgar Square encouraging passers by to have a go at volleyball via an outdoor court and the new ‘Go Spike O Metre’ speed cage. The event attracted over 1,500 people and was broadcasted on BBC London.

Semi Permanent and Permanent Beach Facilities The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has donated 2,274 tonnes of sand from the recent Olympic to three sports venues across London. The Go Spike website will carry more details on these sites and how to book them.

Twenty net systems are being distributed across a total of ten coastal resorts in time for the first ray of sunshine that hits England in 2012. The exact locations are still being finalised but they will be positioned in high footfall areas to take full advantage of the number of expected visitors throughout the summer.

Club Activity There are currently 35 affiliated Clubs playing a crucial part in the Go Spike campaign promoting their open/ recreational sessions via the Go Spike website. This includes clubs who are part of the Team to Club project, which focuses on Clubs with fewer than 25 members who want to link to the campaign in order to drive new participants to the Club. We not only want to give new people the chance to try our sport once, we want to keep them in our sport playing regularly.

If your Club is running an open recreational session for adults (this also includes any Club running Sitting Volleyball) email the details to info@gospike.

Sport Makers Launch!

Sport Makers is part of Sport England’s Mass Participation Legacy from the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. The aim is to use the attraction of the Games to recruit, inspire and deploy 40,000 people, aged 16 years and over, to make sport happen at the local level.

Sport Makers will be invited to attend conventions delivered locally by their County Sport Partnership. The County Sport Partnership will then support the Sport Makers to organise sport for themselves and their friends and colleagues or find a local opportunity that

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suits the Sport Makers needs.

County Sport Partnerships will be working with National Governing Bodies, such as Volleyball England, to see how Sport Makers can help get more people playing their sport though local opportunities and clubs.

Stuart Johnson, Head of Development for Volleyball England said, “We hope that our involvement with the Sport Makers programme will help to bring more people into our sport. We hope Sport Makers will encourage their friends and colleagues to play volleyball using our Go Spike campaign.

Sport Makers could also help those volleyball clubs that are interested in growing by bringing new people along or working with the club to organise taster sessions for potential new members. While the programme is at an early stage, we would encourage you to start thinking of some ways in which Sport Makers might be able to help get more people playing locally and at your club.”

Sport Makers will be fully inclusive and target

participants including people who have a disability, both males and females and participants from BME groups.

The programme will run until September 2013. For more details please contact Ilona Berry, National Leadership and Volunteer Development Officer, on i.berry@volleyballengland.org

First Bronze Plus Award recipients

net and your details will de displayed on the Go Spike website. Furthermore, you will be given some Go Spike resources to help promote the session.

HEVOs Volleyball England’s 47 Higher Education Volleyball Officers (HEVOs), who are based across 43 different Universities in England are going to play a crucial role through the indoor season in promoting volleyball to the student population. The HEVOs will have their volleyball activity promoted via the Go Spike website and will be supported by Volleyball England to put on volleyball festivals and regular recreational sessions.

Moving Forwards…

Social Media The new Go Spike website has attracted over 7,000 visits over the last 3 months and continues to maintain a steady flow of visitors. If you have not already done so, register your details in order to receive the monthly Go Spike E-News.

The Facebook page (‘Go Spike – Get Into Volleyball’) has reached over 100 likes and the recent GoSpike Twitter account is gaining new followers on a daily basis. If your Club has social media pages let us know and we will ‘like’ and ‘follow’ you!

This is not the end of the campaign; Go Spike will continue all year round, right through to 2013 and will be a central part during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Providing an outlet for all those interested in taking up volleyball as a result of watching and following the Games.

Preparation is already underway to fill the calendar with Go Spike events for next summer. If you have any high footfall events happening in your area that you think would be good to link Go Spike to – then let us know!

Email: info@gospike.net

The very first Volleyball England Bronze Plus Awards have now been achieved. To gain one of these Awards young people (aged 14 to 26) need to have completed the Young Leaders or Young Officials Award and then record and provide evidence of ten hours of volunteering.

So far eight talented Young Officials have managed to accomplish this: Hannah Carey, Robyn Wisdom, Lydia West, Charlotte Brown, Rihanna Holtom, Shauna Ford, Jordon Jacobs and Khalil Derf. They completed their volunteering hours at the first ever National Let’s Play Volleyball Festival making it a double first! In recognition of achieving their Bronze Plus Award these young people have received a certificate and commemorative pen. Huge congratulations to all of these young people.

These Young Officials are now working towards their Silver and Gold Plus Awards. After achieving the Bronze Plus Award, young people need to complete a further 25 hours of volunteering. They need to complete a simple plan

highlighting what they intend to do when volunteering before they start and an evaluation at the end of their hours that reflects on the delivery of the plan. Their achievements will be celebrated with a certificate and polo shirt. For the Gold Plus Award, young people need to complete a further 50 hours of volunteering after they have achieved the Silver Plus Award and produce a more detailed plan and evaluation of their work. To recognise the dedication these young people have shown to volunteering, they will receive a certificate, hoody and a ticket to a Euro League match!

It is currently free to register for the Plus Programme, so if you are 14 to 26 and have completed a Young Leaders or Young Officials Award what are you waiting for?

For more details contact Ilona Berry on i.berry@ volleyballengland.org or 01509 227713 or sign up online on www.volleyballengland. org (information on the Plus Programme can be found in the ‘Volunteers’ section of the website).

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ECVD Continen Cup 2011

The National Volleyball Centre, Ke International Sitting Volleyball wh staged the prestigious ECVD Conti

The Men’s Continental Cup is one of four international events organised by the European Committee Volleyball for Disabled (ECVD) in 2011, and the only one to be held in England.

As well as providing a training ground for international-level athletes, as one of the last major international Sitting Volleyball tournaments ahead of the London Paralympic Games 2012, the ECVD Men’s Continental Cup was also an opportunity for Volleyball England’s National Technical Officials and volunteers to demonstrate their skills and abilities.

Lisa Wainwright, CEO of Volleyball England, said, “This was the first time in twenty years that Volleyball England has hosted such a prestigious event with the ECVD, and supported by UK Sport.”

Lisa Wainwright, CEO of Volleyball England, said, “This was the first time in twenty years that Volleyball England has hosted such a prestigious event

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with the ECVD, and supported

by UK Sport. It is a great honour for England to host the event a year prior to the Paralympic Games in London and provided an excellent opportunity for the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering to be at the heart of our sport.

“Sitting volleyball has grown from strength to strength and in 2010 we had some amazing results for the GB squads at the World Championships. The profile of sitting volleyball is also growing and we hope this event will not only demonstrate our aims to deliver world class events, but will also be a platform to launch further development opportunities for the sport.”

The tournament was opened by Kettering born classical star and finalist of hit television show, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), Faryl Smith. Since her appearance on BGT, she has gone on to become 2009’s Classical Performer of the Year and Classic Brit nominee.

She also performed at the 2009 and 2010’s FA Cup Final and England’s Six Nations match against France at Twickenham, in 2009. However, the opportunity to open the ECVD Continental Cup was dear to her heart.

“To see such talented international athletes competing in Kettering is really exciting and I am proud to be a part of an event of this calibre in my home town. This is a great opportunity for the people of Kettering to experience sport of such a standard and what better time to be involved than the lead up to 2012.”

After the opening ceremony

Pic: Adrian Davis DPS

The ECVD Continental Cup competition gave volleyball enthusiasts and sport’s fans the opportunity to witness the speed and skill of sitting volleyball and the opportunity to watch a strong GB men’s team battle it out against challengers from Bosnia/Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Russia and USA.

and in front of a noisy crowd, GB entered the arena to take on Brazil. GB made a strong start but let things slip losing the first set 15-25. A close second set followed with GB and Brazil trading points throughout the set. However, it was an attacking Brazil team which were able to convert their first set point after an error from GB, the score 27-25.

Brazil were able to storm to a commanding lead in the third set. GB saved three match points through Richard Dobell’s serving and Charlie Walker’s blocking, but Brazil took the set and the match 3-0 (25-15, 27-25,25 -17).

After the match GB captain Rob Richardson said, “We set ourselves a benchmark of the level we want to play at in this competition. If we set better through the tournament we will do well. Brazil finished fifth in the worlds, so this was always a testing game on paper. We will take many positives but need to be more consistent.”

Next up for Great Britain was the Ukraine. This was always going to be a hard game for the GB

team. Ukraine finished 6th in the 2010 World Championships and they are regarded as one of the leading sitting volleyball nations in the world.

This proved to be the case, as GB lost the first set 25-9. GB were able to apply some pressure in the second set showing focus and determination to get themselves back in the match with the some excellent setting

by Richard Dobell and Rob Richardson. However, Ukraine were always in control and they closed it out 25-13.

Pic: Adrian Davis DPS

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ettering hosted hen Volleyball England inental Cup for Men.

GB tried everything in the third set to get themselves back in the match but Ukraine were too dominant, again mixing shot selection to their advantage. GB never recovered from a 16-5 deficit and Ukraine served out the match to win 25-10.

In their second match of day two, Great Britain faced Kazakhstan determined to get over their earlier disappointment and record their first win in the ECVD Continental Cup. In a quick fire first game, the lead swung between both teams but it was GB through Anton Riamondo who converted the big points, coming from behind to win 25-22. Kazakhstan started the second set in strong fashion and always seemed to have the edge through the match, taking the second set 25-16.

set 25-20.

GB did everything right in the fourth set against a good Kazakhstan side that looked unfazed by the prospect of the loss. Showing superb touches around the court GB won the set and the match 25-21.

Pic: Marcia Carpenter DPS

At one set all, GB knew they were in for a battle and had to dig deep in a close third set. GB were always strong and even when things didn’t go their way the team showed great spirit and determination, winning the third

Top point scorer and Man of match, Anton Riamonda said, “It felt really good to win. I opened up and scored a lot of points, probably the most I have ever scored in a match. It’s fantastic to have the support of the team around me. It feels great to win after the previous games.”

Great Britain were first on court on Day 2 to play Bosnia, who were ranked 2nd in the world and undefeated in the competition, with a record of played three, won three and topping Pool A. Bosnia asserted themselves very early on in the first set, racing to an 11-2 lead. GB found it difficult to find gaps with the Bosnian

team defending well when needed and attacking with great skill and vision. GB were never able to capitalise on some great passages of play and the set was closed out by Bosnia, 25-9.

In the second set, Bosnia never allowed GB to get going racing to a 12-2 lead and then 16-5. They finally took the second set 25-6.

The third set looked to be going exactly the same way as the second, however GB showed great movement, reaction and accurate hitting to win 5 straight points to narrow the gap to 16-9 and then 21-13. The crowd wanted more from GB but unforced errors allowed Bosnia to close out the game 25-16 “Bosnia are not the 2nd in the

world for nothing and they played well today but we need to show more belief against the top sides if we are going to compete. For now, we have to put the result behind us and move on to the next big game. We need to perform and qualify for the quarter finals,” said an optimistic GB Head Coach, Ian Legrande.

GB produced their best display of the tournament to be beat a resilient Canadian side in their second game of Day 2. Both teams went into the last match of Day 2 knowing that only victory would guarantee them a place in the Quarter Finals the following day.

GB started confidently in the first set and quickly went about their business moving to an 8-2

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www.volleyballengland.org

Refereeing at the ECVD Sitting Volleyball Continental Cup in Kettering

by Dee Wauchope and Glynn Archibald

Two of England’s top officials were involved with the Gold Medal matches of the ECVD Continental Cup. Glynn Archibald and Dee Wauchope Dee before the Bronze Medal Final with Toomas Murolo from Estonia and an all-British NTO team

“We have been fortunate enough to referee sitting volleyball in a number of exotic places around the world and experience many different cultures, food and line judging styles!

This is always very enjoyable and a fantastic way to get to visit some places not on the normal tourist map.

However, there really is no experience like refereeing at an international event in your own country, something neither of us had done before at an official ECVD organised tournament. We both felt very proud that Volleyball England had organised such a great event and that so many of the world’s top teams were there to see what we could do one year ahead of the 2012 Paralympics.

There were 11 referees in total at the event with a wide range of experience. We all refereed a number of pool games over the first few days, on average 2-3 matches a day. It was great to be working with British NTOs who are on the training programme for 2012 and many of the referees commented on their high standard – this

definitely made all of our jobs that bit easier.

Following the pool phases, there is always anticipation amongst the referees to see who will be nominated to referee the games at the business end of the tournament. It’s not that we’re an overly competitive bunch, and there’s always a very supportive atmosphere amongst the referees, but we definitely all want to referee the semi-final and final games as much as the players strive to play in them. On this occasion we were both extremely happy with our nominations with Dee refereeing a semi-final between Brazil and Bosnia & Herzegovina while Glynn refereed the other semi-final between Egypt and Russia.

Often if you are appointed to a semi-final, you know that you won’t be getting a final but the next day the nominations were better still with Dee refereeing the Bronze Final between Brazil and Russia and Glynn appointed to referee the Final between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Egypt. A great way to end a great tournament!”

Congratulations to Dee Wauchope and Glynn Archibald, who have received confirmation that they will be referees at next year’s Paralympic Games!

Well done from everyone at Volleyball England.

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lead. Great blocking by Richard Dobell at 10-2 and excellent play by Justin Phillips at 12 -7 ensured GB were always comfortably in charge. GB worked the ball round the court and in form Anton Riamonda was on fire with accurate spikes around the court. GB closed out the set 25-15.

Rob Richardson was instrumental in a number of points in set two; blocking at 8-4 and big hitting at 10-5. Not to be out done Charlie Walker showed his power with a winning hit at 14-8. Justin Phillips won a massive point for GB at 23-15 and from there GB took charge, winning 25-16.

With a Quarter Final place just one set away, GB started confidently and seemed to be heading for an easy victory with nice touches by Justin Phillips, blocking by Anton Riamonda and great combination play

by Richard Dobell and Charlie Walker. However, Canada seemed to find that little extra something and bit by bit clawed their way in to the game. Canada got the score back to 24 all, with some exceptionally good team work and big hits from the 7ft 3” Greg Stewart. Canada had set point at 26-25 but were unable to convert. A great block at 27-26 (to GB) gave them the two point margin they required to take the set 28-26 and the match. A Quarter Final match with Russia awaited.

noses in front moving to an 8-5 lead. At 18-12, GB’s John Munro played the shot of the set – a deft touch which out witted the Russians. Richard Dobell won a great point for GB at 21-13 but the gap was just too big. Russia closed out the second set 25-17.

With Russia two sets to the good, GB were up against it especially when Russia went 8-0 ahead. GB were able to recover slightly with excellent play by Richard Dobell and Rob Richardson. However, Russia were too strong, wrapping up the third set and the match 25-11.

“That’s the most points we have ever scored against Russia but we are disappointed we didn’t

“This was a potential banana skin of a game but we controlled it well and got the result we wanted. This gives us a top 8 finish in a competition that has got some of the best nations in the world, many who will not be at London 2012,” said a jubilant Rob Richardson.

The Russian team were always favourites going into the Quarter Finals at the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering. The first half of the first set was very much tit for tat, as GB and Russia traded points with some great plays but also basic errors. Russia started to assert themselves through a great block at 24-14 and a fierce spike by Russian, Victor Milenin, took the set 25-14.

The second set started well with Charlie Walker spiking the ball past the Russians. However the Russians did enough to get their

make it a close game.” Said Ian Legrand after the match.

“Obviously we are very disappointed to lose in the quarter finals. It was our first taste of the knock out stages of a competition and we are hungry to get this stage and beyond in further tournaments.”

In the play-off for 5th-8th positions, Great Britain took on familiar opposition Ukraine, who they had played in the pool matches. Great Britain were supported all the way through

progression that we’re bitterly disappointed to lose to a team ranked 6th in the world. It was a tight match and the guys are very keen to have another go at them at the Europeans later in the year as they’re a team we feel we can beat.”

Ukraine took an early lead but Great Britain didn’t let Ukraine assert too much dominance; GB’s Justin Philips executed a number of strong hits to rein in Ukraine’s lead. Ukraine demonstrated some excellent blocking skills and the set ended with a score of 25-20 to Ukraine.

Great Britain had improved in every match but their next opponent, the USA, ranked 10th in the world, were going to be no push over and GB would have to produce their best form if they were to come anyway close to securing 7th position.

Great Britain made a good start to the second set, but Ukraine pushed them hard taking the lead. Great Britain continued to improve and pushed the score up to 22-15. However Ukraine were able to hold their nerve and take the second set 25-16.

Pic: Adrian Davis DPS

Great Britain took the lead at

In a close first set, some excellent hitting from Justin Philips and strong setting from the whole team kept the score at 11-10. The USA blocking was a force to be reckoned with and by the second technical time out the USA were ahead 16-13.

The teams equalized at 22-22.

Errors from the USA allowed Great Britain to take a lead of 24-22. Great Britain winning the set 25-22.

In set two, the USA had to work hard for any points which were few and far between. Great Britain won the set, 25-16.

The USA stepped up their game in the third set and fought hard to take an 8-2 lead at the first technical time out. Netre Rana demonstrated some very elegant setting and Sam Scott made some strong attacking hits for Great Britain. Great Britain weren’t able to make the same impact as in the first two sets.

USA closed out the set 25-7.

6-5 in the third set thanks to a powerful hit from Richard Dobell and were still winning at the first technical time out (8-7). It was Ukraine in the lead by the second technical time out with a score of 16-10. Great Britain were able to score three points in a row to take the score to 16-13.

Charlie Walker made a powerful hit to bring the score up to 2320. However, GB fell just short with the Ukraine taking the set 25-20.

Great Britain captain Rob Richardson said, “It shows our

Volunteers

In the fourth set, USA looked to dominate the GB team early on. The USA crept ahead at 6-5 thanks to a powerful hit from Eric Duda and were winning 8-6 at the first technical time out. Great Britain managed to equalize at 9-9 and while the set remained tight GB looked in control. Richard Dobell aced his serve at 22-16, which inspired the team to complete the win, taking the set 25-19.

GB Captain, Rob Richardson, said, “Unquestionably that is huge result for the team and once again highlights the huge progress we have made over the last 12 months. For 3 sets we played structured volleyball that the USA struggled to deal with and that has to be our benchmark as we move towards London 2012”

The ECVD Continental Cup was a success off the court with over 200 volunteers helping with the competition - many from local schools. Everyone at Volleyball England would like to thank them for helping the make the ECVD Cup the best ever!

One of those volunteers was Jack Nason from The Ferrers Specialist Arts College based in Kettering.

Jack tells us his thoughts on the competition “A group of Year 9s came to the tournament to be ‘Courtside Assistants’. We had half hour training before the first game.

There were three jobs we were needed for:Ball Girls/Boys- Collected balls that were out of play and –more importantly- feeding the server.

‘Moppers’- The ‘Moppers’ were in pairs on either side of the court mopping during breaks, set intervals and time-outs.

Spot Mopper- Wiping small patches of sweat off the court when asked by a match official.

With no/little knowledge of how the sport is played or any tactics and with no previous experience of our own roles the majority of our group went to help with the second game of the day - Russia v USA; a Pool B match-up. The 11 teams in the competition were split into two pools A and B for a week-long round robin tournament. The end result was a three set win for Russia and the entire group said how they had ‘enjoyed’ their part in the match.

The match went smoothly with everyone performing their roles well enough for the officials to notice.

Pic: Marcia Carpenter DPS

the match by an exuberant home crowd who appreciated the progress the team had made.

After that, we played our own game on the training courts and whilst playing we realised the sport was ‘much more difficult than we had first though’.

Later on, we also helped with the Canada v Brazil game, Brazil breezing through with the second 3 set victory we had witnessed.

We had a change of roles in the second match to give everyone a chance at each role, and again, everyone enjoyed taking part and watching the talents of the players, especially the Brazilians.

The sport is very interesting, with many more tactics than we had anticipated; blockers at the net and the way in which teams set up a ‘smash’ shot. As well as this, we found that despite the athlete’s disabilities, they were still able to give the sport a very fast and exciting nature.

We also found that, although we may have discovered Sitting Volleyball, there is still little known here in the United Kingdom, hence the need for us schools and volunteers to help as much as possible..

Personally, I found this quite sad because I, in only one day, found a passion for the sport and believe that it should be more well known, played in schools etc. So in 2012, look out for any Volleyball, sitting or standing in the Olympics and Paralympic games!”

If you are interested in volunteering at Volleyball England events or at a local volleyball club, please contact Ilona Berry, National Volunteer Development Officer, i.berry@volleyballengland.org

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www.volleyballengland.org

London Beach Volleyball

After a turbulent few days in the capital due to the riots, the world looked on for all the right reasons as beach volleyball came to London! The Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International was an exhibition event helping London prepare for next year Olympic Photos: Mark Pritchard Games - When around 15,000 spectators will attend daily.

The famous landmark of Horse Guard Parades was turned into a 1,500 seater stadium to showcase the very best female beach athletes. A total of 54 matches were played across six days of competition.

The temporary courts were created with 2,274 tonnes of sand. The venue had three courts (one centre court and two warm up courts) which were built to competition standards in Games-Time positions and with lighting for night matches.

Great Britain had two teams playing in the competition.

Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullins, ranked 32 in the world beach rankings, took on teams from China, Australia and Puerto Rico. GB’s other team, Denise Johns and Lucy Boulton, ranked 51 in the world, took on Canada, USA, Brazil.

Current world number one pairing Jennifer Kessy and April Ross of the United States were playing, as were Beijing bronze medalists Chen Xue and Xi Zhang of China.

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Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullins Great Britain beach volleyball pair Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney had a fantastic run in the early stages of the competition winning four consecutive matches, including two three set thrillers. However, their run came to an end when they went down 14-21, 20-22 in the quarter finals to the experienced Brazilian duo of Vieira and Lili.

In front of a capacity crowd, the British pair were unable to convert two set points in the second set, as the Brazilians secured victory with their first match point.

Mullin said, “The second set was better that the first, we created our chances, but we’re disappointed that we didn’t take them. Brazilians are never easy to play against; they’ve got a lot of experience and know how to read the game so it was always going to be a tough match today.”

“It’s been an amazing experience for us. We didn’t really know what it would be like until we got here, it’s been really

Zara Dampney focused on the match point serve

great how the public have got so involved with the event and got behind us. We just want to say thank you to everyone who has come down and supported and we hope they go away with a positive opinion of beach volleyball.

Mullin added, “We’ve learnt a lot about competing at home, in front of a home crowd, interacting with the press and learning things for next year.

This was a taster of what it’s going to be like next year when it’s ten times bigger. We didn’t expect it to be as good as it was with the crowd being so amazing, so it’s definitely given us extra excitement for next year.”

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Lucy Boulton said, “That’s what we train everyday for and work for, being able to deliver when the pressure is on. Doing well in this tournament and knowing what it feels like to play on this sand in front of this crowd has definitely inspired us for next year.”

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In the quarter finals, Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns needed to record a career-best victory if they were to reach the semifinals of the Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International.

The British did just that, winning 21-19, 21-18 against second seeds Chen Xue and Xi Zhang who were bronze medalists at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games that was the best of our career so far.”

“It’s pretty surreal,” Johns said.

“We came in not expecting to do much. We were going to put our game out there, but we weren’t expected to win.

“So we were just able to play free without any pressure. They were the ones under pressure, because they were expected to win. I glad with the way we played and just fought and came out on top.”

Shauna Mullins celebrates victory over Puerto Rico

BoUlton and Johns Great Britain beach volleyball pair Lucy Boulton and Denise Johns won three out of four matches in their pool. Johns and Boulton faced highly ranked Canadians, Bansley and Maloney, in the knock out stages as the pair bid to win the competition.

British pair claimed the first set 26-24 and then won the second with excellent serving from the outstanding Boulton and solid defence from Johns to set up match point which Boulton claimed with an ace.

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and the 2011 FIVB Swatch Beach Volleyball World Championships.

The victory now set up a semifinal clash against 2009 world champions Jennifer Kessy and April Ross.

“We’ve played other top five, top ten teams before and always lost, but we played well and like D (Denise) said the pressure was off us and on them,” Boulton said. “We can compete with those teams, but to win and especially in two sets I’d say

In the bronze medal match, the Great Britain beach volleyball pair again missed out on a podium place losing to the experienced Brazilian pair of Vivian Danielle da Conceicao Cunha and Taiana Lima. The Brazilians winning 21-19, 21-18 in a close match with the British team in front of a capacity crowd at the Olympic Test Event.

Lucy Boulton was optimistic and positive after the games,

With a fantastic home crowd supporting them, Denise Johns and Lucy Boulton took to centre court hoping to make it to the final of the VISA FIVB Beach International. However, in a close contest they just missed out losing in three sets to Jennifer Kessy and April Ross of the United States 13-21, 2117 and 10-15.

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www.volleyballengland.org ‘We feel disappointed with the loss today, but looking across the whole week there’s been loads of positives and some real career highs. We just need to carry that on for the

next couple of weeks and make it count on the World Tour.

‘The focus has really been on us this week, but it hasn’t daunted us at all, we’ve really risen to the occasion and the crowd has helped us along and cheered us into making shots and finding that extra inch when needed.’

The final of the Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International was won

by Brazilian pair Lili and Angela

Vieira who beat April Ross and Jennifer Kessy, 2-1 (10-21, 21-15, 15-13) The event at Horse Guards Parade was well received by spectators and press - who all praised the competition. British Olympic Association CEO and Team GB Chef de Mission for the London 2012 Olympic Games, Andy Hunt, even suggested that a beach volleyball event should be held every year in London!

Olympic Dreams for host nation Referees Also working diligently at this event were 12 international referees from the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) who are all hoping to make the same trip to London next year.

Under the direct supervision, keen eye and insightful instruction of Jose Casanova, FIVB Beach Volleyball Referee Commissioner and member of the FIVB Beach Volleyball Commission, the 12 international referees were joined by 31 international candidates from Great Britain, as the country continues to develop its level of interest in the sport.

The London 2012 Olympics will utilise a group of 16 FIVB international referees, and included on the roster will be two from the host country.

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London was certainly on the consideration list for the honour of representing their respective countries at the Olympic Games.

With next year’s Olympic Games being held in his home country, Great Britain’s Thompson, 40, views representing his country and working at the Olympics as a beach volleyball referee as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a dream that he certainly hopes comes true.

Employed in the technical division of England’s Vodafone mobile network communications company, Thompson, who with his wife and two young children live in Newbury, has made extreme sacrifices with his family and his career to pursue his Olympic dream.

Leading candidates for the two ‘host-nation’ referee positions appear to be FIVB referees Damien Searle, who worked at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in China, and Greg Thompson, who has been working on the FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour events since 2007.

“I don’t think I would have made the commitment, if it weren’t for the fact that the Olympics will be right here in London next year and it would truly be a dream come true if I were selected to represent my country and work as a referee for my favourite sport,” said Thompson.

While the FIVB will not make its final decision on referees for London 2012 until well into next year, the group in

“This would certainly be my way of getting to the Olympics as a participant, because I was never able to as an athlete,”

added Thompson, who graduated from Southhampton College in 2001. “Beach volleyball will be at the most attractive venue of the entire Olympic Games next year.

There is nothing quite like the environment and the history of Great Britain in and around Horse Guards Parade.”

Thompson, who played indoor volleyball for a club team for several years, switched to refereeing and then became even more serious about his new vocation once London was awarded the Olympics back in 2005.

A veteran of 15 FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour events over the last four years, Thompson passed his International Course in 2007 with two days of theory and testing and five days of practical working a FIVB Satellite event in Vaduz, Liechtenstein.

This season, Thompson has worked world tour events in Myslowice (Poland), Stavanger (Norway), Moscow, and Stare Jablonki (Poland) in addition to the Olympic test event in London.

Like most in his country, Thompson is highly excited regarding next year’s Olympics,

Damien Searle (left) with Greg Thompson (right)

saying, “In Great Britain we do a lot of things very well, especially Royal Weddings, set-piece or showcase sporting occasions. I am proudly looking forward to representing my country in next year’s games, if I am selected” “My wife and family have made significant sacrifices and Vodafone has been very acceptable to allowing me to take the leave necessary to pursue my dream. While nothing is certain, I would say that I am confident, but not complacent regarding my prospects of making the FIVB referee team for 2012. In the meantime, I have enjoyed tremendously this opportunity to be working the first FIVB international beach volleyball event ever held in London.”

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Volleyball England Beach Tour Finals The top sixteen men’s and women’s teams from the Beach Tour were invited to Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth to fight for the title of VEBT Champions 2011 Photos: Mark Pritchard 17

www.volleyballengland.org Volleyball England Beach Tour Finals were the finale to the most successful Beach Volleyball season to date. The showcase event brought in spectators from all corners of the country and beyond, with three packed grandstands and crowds on the promenade vying for space to watch the UK’s finest beach volleyball players.

In the women’s semifinals, Eva Czinegeova and Anna Dyakiewicz took on Gabi Medricka and Laura Plonka.

It was a tight first set with Medricka and Plonka having to work hard around the sand. However, they eventually came from behind to close out the set, 23-21. In

the second set Medricka and Plonka stepped up a gear and took full control of the match winning the second set 21-16.

Mel Coutts and Denise Austin faced Helen Brown and Kerri Olding in the second semifinal; and what a semifinal it was! Brown and Olding showed their athleticism and ability to cover the court, taking the first set 21-19. Denise and Mel’s experience was evident, as clever tactical play ensured a 21-17 win in the second set. In a nail-biting third set Denise and Mel’s tactics and perseverance ensured victory, taking the set by 15-9.

Robin Miedzybrodzki spikes to win

The VEBT 2011 involved five high profile events bringing together the top players in the country to showcase the sport across the English coastal line. The conclusion of the Tour took place in Bournemouth, for the VEBT Finals, were the winners of the Tour were crowned and the Champions race leaders were decided.

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Mel Coutts and Denise Austin in action

In the men’s semifinals, Phil Smith and Russell Watson came head to head with Tom Lord and Robin Miedzybrodzki. In an exciting first set, both teams went point for point from the start to the finish. Lord and Miedzybrodzki endurance and excellent transition play finally gave them the set at 31-29. With their adrenaline pumping, the pair comfortably took the second set at 21-15 to claim their place in the final.

Local team Rob Flay and Chris Gregory took on brothers Luke and Jake Sheaf in the other men’s semifinal. This was a big match for both teams and with the

huge blocks put up by 6’10” Gregory and great defending

by Flay, it was a tough battle for the Sheaf’s but they took the first set 21-18. With their confidence high, the Sheaf’s took the second set very comfortably, winning 21-8 and the match 2-0.

The women’s final of the Volleyball England Beach Tour started with the sun shining through the threatening clouds and the grandstand filled with an excited and enthusiastic crowd waiting to witness the momentous occasion.

In the women’s final, it was Medricka and Plonka versus Coutts and Austin.

Great Yarmouth Results

Margate Results

Skegness Results

Men:

Men:

Men:

1 Sheaf / Sheaf

1 Flay / Gregory

1 Sheaf / Sheaf

2 Payne / Watson

2 Smith / Watson

2 Flay / Gregory

3 Peksa / Grandolfo

3 Sheaf / Sheaf

3 Grandolfo / Peksa

3 Gregory / Flay

3 Jaguszewski / Kiedrzynski

3 Jaguszewski / Kiedrzynski

Women:

Women:

Women:

1 Brown / Knopf

1 Austin / Coutts

1 Plonka / Medricka

2 Medricka / Plonka

2 Brown / Olding

2 Brown / Olding

3 Grimson / Smith

3 Grimson / Smith

3 Czinegeova / Gerschwitz

3 Gless / Jurikova

3 Nelmes / Tinker

3 Grimson / Smith

Coutts and Austin celebrate a famous victory

It was Medricka and Plonka who showed their worth in the first set, comfortably dominating the set from the start and taking it 21-17.

However, Coutts and Austin made an incredible come back in the second set, taking it 21-16. With both teams determined to be crowned VEBT Champions, it was Denise and Mel’s experience and desire to win that came through in the end. They took an exhilarating third set 15-10 and the championship title.

In the men’s final, it was a

battle of two GB pairings, as Tom Lord and Robin Miedzybrodzki took on Luke and Jake Sheaf. The game was expected to be close but Lord and Miedzybrodzki comfortably won the first set, with an impressive 21-6 score-line, as they put on an almost flawless display of excellent serving, defending and transition play. A revitalised Luke and Jake Sheaf turned things round in the second set fighting for every point and

winning it 21-19. With tensions high in the deciding set, Lord and Miedzybrodzki’s hard work, stamina and consistency finally paid off as they closed the third set at 15-8 and defended the title they won last year.

The Champions Race for the men’s division was won by Luke and Jake Sheaf and the women’s by Helen Brown.

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Lord and Miedzybrodzki with the Champagne!

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the Finals the best ever!

Weymouth Results

VEBT Finals Results

2011 VEBT Awards winners

Men:

MEN:

1 Lord / Miedzybrodzki 2 Sheaf / Sheaf

Winners: Tom Lord/ Robin Miedzybrodzki

3 Smith / Watson

Runner Ups: Luke / Jake Sheaf

3 Flay / Gregory

WOMEN:

Women:

Winners: Mel Coutts / Denise Austin

Best Server - Luke Sheaf/Gabi Medricka Best Passer - Jake Sheaf/Gabi Medricka Best Setter - Rob Flay/Helen Brown Best Attacker - Tom Lord/Gabi Medricka Best Blocker - Phil Smith/Eva Czinegeova Best Defender - Rob Flay/Gabi Medricka Most Valuable Player - Rob Flay/ Gabi Medricka Most Improved Player - Wojtek Kiedrzynski/Jess Grimson Sportsmanship Award - Rob Flay/Denise Austin

1 Plonka / Medricka 2 Coutts / Brown 3 Kelly / Kleverlaan 3 Czinegeova / Dyakiewicz

Runner Ups: Gabriela Medricka / Laura Plonka

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www.volleyballengland.org

CREATING BEACH LEGACY FOR VOLLEYBALL Olympic Test Event sand to be used in new beach volleyball facilities across London The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) has donated 2,274 tonnes of sand from the recent Olympic test event, (the Visa FIVB Beach Volleyball International), to sports venues across London in a bid to increase interest and participation in the sport.

Three sites have been selected; Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, The Score Sports Centre in Waltham Forest and Westminster Academy Sports Centre to use the sand for seven new courts, ready for an influx of new players inspired by the test event and Volleyball England’s new ‘Go Spike’ campaign aimed at getting more people into the sport.

Debbie Jevans, LOCOG Director of Sport, said: “We want to leave a legacy for sport after the Games in a variety of ways, so it is great that the sand from our test event can be distributed to venues in this way, so legacy can start to happen before the Games have even begun. We hope that having these courts at different locations in London will inspire more young people to get involved in an exciting sport”

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Richard Callicott, President of Volleyball England said: “Beach Volleyball is a sport everybody can play and these new facilities will give everyone a chance to get involved with this great sport. I would like to thank LOCOG and Sport England for our partnership and working together to create a great legacy for Volleyball.

To be able to say that we are putting in our legacy one year before the 2012 Games means we will be able to enthuse young people and run coaching clinics and teach people about Beach volleyball so that they can enjoy the Games even more.”

The Score Sports Centre in Waltham Forest The beach courts at The Score Sports Centre in Waltham Forest opened their doors for the first time on the weekend of the 3rd September 2011. Built with a grant from Sport England via Volleyball England and applied for by the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the courts took just one week to complete.

The sand courts are part of the Boroughs desire to offer beach sports to increase participation in sport and physical activity and to build on the legacy as a host borough for London 2012.

The courts will be managed by Leyton Orient Community Sports

Programme (LOCSP) who will take bookings and ensure the courts are ready for use. The local clubs will all benefit from the new courts and it is hoped that new players will be attracted to local volleyball clubs. Regular club sessions, tournaments and volleyball coaching started in September. (For more information please call 0208 556 5973).

GLL Crystal Palace National Sports Centre On the 18th and 19th September Crystal Palace Beach Sports was launched. Crystal Palace Beach Sports has been funded through a partnership between charitable Social Enterprise GLL, which operates Crystal Palace National Sports Centre and Volleyball England.

The courts are now available for hire and GLL will be introducing a number of drop-in sessions and sand-based sports courses over the coming weeks. (For more information on how to book please contact 020 8778 0131 or visit www.gll.org).

Westminster Academy Sports The new beach volleyball court will be an addition to one of London’s finest sporting facilities

at Westminster Academy. The court was opened for use to the public and students of the Academy on 22 September 2011.

Cllr Steve Summers, Westminster Council’s Cabinet Member for Sports and Leisure, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all Londoners and Westminster Academy students to get involved in beach volleyball.

“As Westminster is playing host to the 2012 Olympic Games, this new court is a prime example of Westminster’s commitment to sport in the city.”

Principal of Westminster Academy, Smita Bora, said: “I’m delighted that we are to have one of the very few urban beach volleyball courts in London installed here at the Academy.

“We take much pride in our excellent sporting facilities and with the help of this new Olympic sand, I hope that our students will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of the incredible athletes who played in it before them.

“I also hope that the local community and sports clubs will also make use of this great new addition to the Academy’s sports centre.”

(Bookings can be made by phoning 020 7121 0642 or Email: academysport@ westminsteracademy.biz)

DON ANTHONY MBE HALL OF FAME In the final part of the series, we look at the first male players to be inducted in to the inaugural Don Anthony Hall of Fame.

Fourteen male players were inducted into the Don Anthony Hall of Fame. They were all put forward by the members of the Performance Commission to recognise their achievements at International level

Don Anthony MBE Bobby Smith - the founder of

Volleyball in England When Don Anthony was invited to join the staff as an Assistant Lecturer at Manchester University he was told ‘You have to do some research – what will it be? His reply: ‘I would like to found a national association for an international game’. That sounded good to them; and in late 1954 he placed a letter in the Manchester Guardian calling for the establishment of the Amateur Volleyball Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (AVA) which was to become Volleyball England.

Don has continued to be involved in one capacity or another for the last fifty years. The Don Anthony Hall of Fame is named in his honour and for all the work he has done for Volleyball.

Bobby Smith

He was a league runner up and EVA Supercup Winner with Reebok Liverpool in 1991. In 1999, he qualified as a Grade 1 referee, refereeing at National Finals at Pond’s Forge a year later.

International Player for England from 1969 – 1978 In 1964, Bobby began playing volleyball at Brownedge St. Mary’s Secondary School, Bamber Bridge, Preston. Players paid 3d per lunchtime to play volleyball to raise money for a trampoline!

He played in his first tournament at the Manchester Grammar School, coached by Ian Thompson and Jim Etherington. They lost to Cardinal Godfrey School, Liverpool coached

by Hall of Famer, George Bulman.

In 1965, he was one of the founding members of the Preston Volleyball Club made up of staff and pupils from Brownedge St. Mary’s. A year later, he represented the North of England Under 17’s in games against the South of England. The North coached by George Bulman. The South was coached by Dave James.

In 1967, he made his first trip abroad to play in the world famous St. Anthonis Tournament, in Holland.

In 1968, Bobby was invited to train with the Great Britain squad by Dave James and was selected a year later in the England squad to play Scotland - but he didn’t get on court. At the same time, he was also selected to play for GB at the Western European Tournament (Spring Cup) in Finland. He played his first set in the third game of the tournament, against Spain.

Commonwealth Games for volleyball.

While still playing, Bobby took up coaching and took Brownedge St. Mary’s U15’s to English School’s Final in 1971.

In 1973, the decision was taken to base National Squad training in London on weekdays, and he was unable to attend regular training sessions. However, in Wolverhampton, a year later, at the National trials, he was selected for National Squad again.

In 1976, Bobby won his 50th cap and in 1977 made his debut as Captain, as Nick Keeley was absent due to injury. The same year in the Jubilee Year Cup in Bath, England beat Scotland 3-0.

Bobby moved clubs in 1977 from Preston to Liverpool Cardinals. In 1978, he made what he thought was his last international appearance, but in 1981 he was asked to play for an England Select team in the first

Always passionate about volleyball at any level, Bobby won several titles at the Sandwell Tournament when he was playing in Liverpool and won County Championships for Merseyside, a number of times.

Bobby was a player coach for many seasons, while at Preston and Liverpool Cardinals. He also coached the North U16/18’s in the 1980’s.

Jurek Jankowski International Player for England from 1984 – 2001 Jurek started playing in 1976 at the age of 11, inspired by Poland’s Olympic gold victory against the Russians that summer. Never did he think that he would be coached in Poland, 10 years later, by one of the gold Olympians from that game.

From 1976 - 1987 Jurek played London local league for Jedynka Volleyball club under the guidance of coach James Tytko. He was invited

by John Lowney and John Nash (England Junior coaches) to attend the England Junior squad.

In 1981, he started training with Polonia, and was invited to England Senior training in 1983,

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www.volleyballengland.org Jurek Jankowski

Alex Bialokoz International Player for England from 1986 – 2007 Alex’s mother played volleyball internationally for Poland in the 1950’s and it was her enthusiasm for the sport that inspired both him and his sister to play the game.

His indoor volleyball career started at the age of 13 at Cherwell School in Oxford where he was inspired to play by Dave Pope, a teacher at the school. His enthusiasm was contagious and resulted in the school teams dominating volleyball in the Oxford area for many years.

The star celebrity, to be, was Yasmin Le Bon who was also a pupil at the school and trained with them on Wednesday lunchtimes.

then under the leadership of Andy Lowczynowski. His greatest achievements at that time were winning the National League with Polonia in 1984, and playing regularly for England.

During the mid and late eighties, Jurek was immersed by volleyball; playing and training every day of the week, for London League, National League, University or England Friday sessions at Brunel followed by matches at the weekend. It was 7 days a week for most of the year.

In 1987, he went to Poland to play professional volleyball with Plomien Milowice, coached by Rys Bosek (Gold Olympian and World Champion). A year later, he returned to play with Polonia and coach Polonia Ladies. He continued to enjoy a long period of playing for England and Great Britain, under the influences of Jefferson Williams and Ralph Hippolyte.

“Many coaches who witnessed that Hippolyte era echo, even now, that however mad the volleyball ideas we were trialling and experimenting with then, was far ahead of the rest of the world’s professional and national teams. It was revolutionary and can now be seen replicated across the map. I was proud to have been that guinea pig, and to have been a part of that jigsaw puzzle,” Jurek said.

Jurek retired from international volleyball in 2002, and then returned when the Libero position was introduced in 2004. He continued to play for another 2 years before retiring again.

Jurek is in the top three most capped players in the country with 124 caps. Nationally, he won the National Cup with Polonia in 1991.

He also coached Polonia Ladies to the National League Division 3 Title.

He also recalls he got to finals of the original Weymouth Beach Classic.

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He was spotted at an England Junior trial by Andrew Lowczynowski, who invited him to come and play for his London team, Polish YMCA. There he met Jurek Jankowski and Marek Banasiewicz, both of whom played professionally and at the senior level internationally.

Alex trained and played with the Oxford University for a number of years before joining Polonia in 1986.

From 1989-90 he played abroad in Saarijarvi (Finland) and then on to Strasbourg in France from 1991-92.

His last year abroad was playing in Jyvaskyla (Finland) from 199293. He won a contract to play for Panathinaikos, in Athens, but sadly the transfer papers didn’t arrive and so it was not to be.

Alex won his first England senior

cap against Canada in 1986 in Aston Villa. He won his 150th England senior cap against Estonia B in Talinn in 2005. He was also part of the GB squad with Ralph Hippolyte. His last GB cap was won against Australia in Isleworth, London, in 2007.

Leszek Zarzycki

He joined Malory Volleyball Club when he returned from Finland and has played there ever since. Malory’s success over the years has been well documented and he is proud to have been part of this success.

Internationally, he has been coached by some great people, “I have been lucky enough to work with some great people including Andrew Lowczynowski, Jefferson Williams, Ralph Hippolyte and Ian Legrand. All of whom have been inspirational and instrumental in my game.”

In 2009 Alex was elected to the post of Performance Commission President of Volleyball England.

Leszek Zarzycki International Player for England from 1970 – 1981 Leszek Zarzycki played for the England Senior Men’s team between 1970 and 1981. He was made captain of the team in 1979. Leszek’s last international tournament was the inaugural Commonwealth Volleyball Tournament (COVO ’81) hosted in England. In total, he gained just short of 100 caps.

Volleyball was a perennial social activity of the Polish ex-patriot community that was part of Leszek’s formative years in Coventry. So it Alex Bialokoz

was no surprise that he chose to join the Volleyball Club when he went to Leeds University to study mathematics. What he did not expect was that, at that time, Leeds University Volleyball club played in the national league and was coached by a former Belarus International, George Chocholko.

Confronted with 196cm (6’5”) of raw potential George set about shaping a volleyball player. George imparted not only technical skills but, importantly, mental strength and tactical awareness, that became a characteristic of Leszek’s volleyball career. Leszek went on to play for and captain the Universities Athletic Union and gained university honours for his achievement and leadership of volleyball at Leeds (1969-73).

In 1970, a young MSc Sports Science student, Keith Nichols, came to Leeds University. Keith was an established England international and he took Leszek with him to an England squad trial. At the end of the trial weekend Barry Swann was overheard saying to coach David James that he would have to get used to setting a bit higher for that ‘Lesch’ chap. (This was at a time when a diminutive, but very effective, Spark team were typically skimming the ball at speed across the court at net height only.) Within weeks Leszek was on the plane to Sweden, for his first international weekend.

Reorganisation of the national squad to be London-based meant that Leszek’s early international career spanned only 11 matches. Following a period of overseas work and a complete break from volleyball, Leszek returned to the UK in late 1975. After a short period getting back into the game with Coventry Riga, Leszek joined Peter Wardale’s Granwood Rockets in Nottingham.

Also at Rockets was Barry McGregor, the first full-time executive officer of the English Volleyball Association (EVA). Barry was a sports scientist and he took on the role of a personal fitness and conditioning coach for Leszek and others in the team, who could persevere with the regime.

Rockets won the National league in the 1977-78 season.

Leszek regained his place with the England national team in 1976, coached by George Bulman, and then Bill Black (79-81). He was a versatile player, and took on roles as middle smasher/blocker or outside hitter as required.

Speaking at the time, Bill Black commented to Leszek “You made an excellent captain to follow Nick Keeley and gave a great example to the rest of the squad by your work rate, playing ability, willingness to still learn, and socially with the squad. You were a ‘thinker’ and they are rare in this country.” Some say that an alternative account can be found in the caricature of Linkup Suzuki, whose adventures and tribulations were serialized in the EVA Volleyball magazine from 1979-82!

Having worked with so many diverse and inspirational coaches, Leszek himself became an enthusiastic coach and staff coach. He coached Nottingham Rockets for several years in the 80’s and directed other sessions regionally in conjunction with the East Midlands Volleyball Association. He was always willing to innovate technically and tactically, and he took his Rocket’s team to the EVA National Cup final in 1984.

Currently, Leszek is a principal lecturer in Computer Science at De Montfort University.

Keith Nicholls International Player for England from 1968 – 1976 Keith started playing volleyball while training as a PE teacher at St Mary’s College of Education, in Twickenham.

Inspired by a number of European players who visited London, Keith spent his vacations going to watch volleyball tournaments in Holland.

Using the films he took, he studied the game and training methods which he used to expand the number of players in his college team. At least three players he introduced to the game went on to become international players in following years.

His first international was against Switzerland and was followed by playing in the West European Championships. A highlight at the time, was playing in London in 1969 against the Japanese men’s team, that went on to win the Olympic Gold medal in 1970. Over the next ten years, he played 51 games, first for Great Britain and then for England, when Scotland affiliated to the international association as a separate country.

After retiring from the international team, Keith carried on playing but focused mainly on coaching. He has established a record in playing National League Volleyball in his

Keith Nicholls

which he is still the all time point’s winner. He represented Great Britain in numerous World Series Events and the World Championships in Brazil.

While recognised for his playing, Vince was also recognised in the Hall Fame for his coaching. Vince was involved in coaching Amanda Glover and Audrey Cooper who remain the only British beach pair to represent their country at an Olympic Games ““There was a natural progression from International Player to Coach,” he recalls.

20’s,30’s,40’s,50’s and last season in his 60’s. His ambition is to find a team that will let him play in the league when he is 70!

Speaking at the Hall of Fame ceremony, Keith said, “Playing for your country is a privilege. Being inducted as a founder member of the Hall of Fame was unexpected but nonetheless a great honour.

Meeting up again with players and coaches spanning 40 years of the game reminded me of the great camaraderie and lifetime friendships that sport generates.”

Vince Joyce International Player England and Great Britain Indoor/ Beach 1987 - 1991 Vince has been involved in volleyball for 40 years, representing England at all levels; Indoor U16s, U18s, U20s, England Seniors and with GB when Ralph Hippolyte was Head Coach.

He was player/coach for Speedwell, Vince Joyce

“They had a world ranking of 12, and finished 9th at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with very little funding.

What is even more remarkable, they were the only amateur team at those Olympics, and on a personal note I feel that this team has never been given the full recognition that it deserves.”

Richard Dobell International Player for England from 1986 - 2005 Richard has an impressive playing career. He has won league titles at Division 4, 3, 2 and 1. He has won the Division One title 19 times. He has also been part of team winning the National Cup at U16, U19 and senior level (15 times). The first and last National Cup wins (both at Crystal Palace) were 20 years apart.

Vince has been involved with beach volleyball since 1983, which began with the Weymouth Tournament, for

He moved to London at the age of 19 to play for Malory. That year Newcastle had just won Division 2 and Malory finished second, but he decided (tempted by the bright lights and a certain Coach – John Nash) to move to the Capital to further his volleyball career and work. “I moved down on a Friday, John Nash picked me up at Euston Station, we went to a party over in Essex, we came back Sunday and I started my new job on the Monday, then training Monday night!” he recalls.

“We had four club sessions a week plus other physical sessions which gave us the foundation to attract better players and start to push for titles. Over the years Malory or Malory Eagles (as it is now) have been the most successful club in the country, amassing the most men and women’s titles. I don’t think that this Club record will be beaten, there’s a challenge!”

Richard Dobell

Richard represented England at U16, U19 and senior level. He also represented Great Britain at senior level - indoor and Beach. His first Cap for England was against Brazil which was a baptism of fire!

Richard has been National Beach Volleyball Tour Champion a few times and played on the FIVB World Series, “Playing on the FIVB World Series for the first time was an amazing experience, I even managed a win!” he says Richard started playing volleyball at school at the age of 12 and by the age of 15 was training every day before, at lunchtime, and after school. The other sports that he was representing for the school and region (Football, Cricket and Athletics) slowly fell by the wayside.

His father played professional football and his uncle, who is now Honorary President of Staffordshire Cricket, was the County Cricket Captain for many years, as well playing Rugby at a high level.

finishing third in Division One, and also player/coach for Wessex, finishing 4th in Division One and runners up to Malory in the Knock Out Cup.

if they wanted to. Dave Joyce was my first Club Coach at Newcastle Staffs and when I broke into the 1st team he really moved my game on physically and mentally.” Richard says.

His school and junior volleyball was heavily influenced by Barry Jenkins (School Teacher/Coach) who put so much effort into volleyball, getting the gym open all hours, doing 24 hours sponsored games, through to driving the bus everywhere including trips to Belgium to play in tournaments. “He really gave every opportunity for someone to excel

Richard highlights John Nash, as a coach that had determination, vision, discipline and incredibly high standards. Not only was he responsible for developing him as a player and person, he had the ability and desire to get kids focused on doing something positive. Many kids that went to Malory school will know what affect he had on their lives.

Richard also credits Williams (Jefferson) and Ralph Hippolyte as instrumental on his career.

“Jefferson has without doubt shaped my middle and latter years and his constant desire to win and seek perfection (which at times comes out as moaning!!) has rubbed off on me.”

“Equally Ralph, who coached the GB Team in the late 80’s/90’s had an impact that, on reflection, was greater than first thought. Although his thoughts, coaching style was, at best, visionary and at worst crazy –

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www.volleyballengland.org he made you think!

“He pushed my competitive side, as much as opening the desire to want to be the best at what you do, no matter what it is; volleyball, work, cutting the grass, anything – strive to do better. Another influence factor, is the players you play with. I have been very fortunate to play with some exceptional players. When you get the right work ethic, desire and talent together, you will be amazed at what you can achieve.”

Richard has been a Board Director of Volleyball England for the last 6 years and member of the Performance Management Group, responsible for the GB Performance Programme.

Outside volleyball Richard is Managing Director of a Recruitment Consultancy business. He has been running recruitment and staffing businesses for the last 17 years. This has taken him to all points of the UK and many, many overseas locations including Richard Branson’s back garden for a ‘fastest growing company awards dinner! All has been a great experience, hard work but enjoyable. Volleyball has definitely influenced my attitude to work and wanting to ‘get on’.

His biggest highlight so far though, is his family. “I have been extremely lucky with parents that supported me and got me to all the training/ match venues and train stations required. Also Barbara, for putting up with the volleyball and work travels which included going to Australia on business two weeks after Alex was born” Richard is currently part of the GB Men’s Sitting Squad, which will be playing London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Phil Newton International Player for England from 1979 - 1990 Phil was inspired to play by the popularity of the game abroad, and Phil Newton

his relationships were marked by an eagerness to learn the secrets of foreign team’s successes. Phil was captain of successive England Schoolboy teams and the England Junior Squad. “I enjoyed the responsibility” says Phil, “and was proud to be chosen”.

game. He also spent time playing professionally in Europe.

He was an essential part of the ‘core’ upon which the England team was based. He was reliable with an element of maturity, in spite of his youth at the time. Phil possessed a unique quality of being able to provide a high rate accurate first passes.

Keith Nicholls, remembers Steve fondly and after hearing about his death commente, “He came to my club, Bristol Mikasa, as a very tall left handed 15year old who had never played volleyball, but as we trained at his school he had seen a couple of our matches and wanted to play.

From 1972, he came into contact with some of the most respected coaches and players who helped develop his game. These included John Nash, Peter Hoare, Bill Black and Bob Smith. From his time at Campion School and Cantril to Liverpool Cardinals, Phil was always exposed to the best match play around. “It was an excellent foundation, which enabled me to be so supportive during play, particularly with the younger members of the team.” He says.

Like many in the England team at the time, he was an all-round athlete who had the determination to achieve anything he set his mind to. He was Liverpool’s 800m champion; played soccer for Liverpool’s Schoolboys and was a local basketball star.’ I went all the way with volleyball’ he says, ‘because I got the greatest kick out of this game’.

International Player for England from 1979 – 1982

“Steve was a very quick and willing learner and within two seasons was a regular starter in our first division side. Bill Black the then National Coach made him stay “down” with the club for an additional year to work on adapting his game as a middle blocker to being left handed.

He was able to combine natural height of 6’5” with a very fast high vertical jump and quick reading of strategic opportunities. Once he made the national team he made a major impact. Despite the national teams’ low standing he was noticed

by Belgian coaches and offered a place with Knack Rosselaire, the Belgian Champions.

Volleyball for ‘the Newt’ was more than just an extension of his ‘whirlwind’ lifestyle, but the opportunity for self discipline through the rigours of three nights of training and the constant pressure to improve every aspect of his game.

These were accepted by him as a life time challenge.

“Those who wish to evaluate the success of the England Men’s Team” says Phil, “should do so by recognising the progress made by the introduction of the younger players”.

Steve played for Speedwell and England at the height of his

Danny Weemes Danny was a regular in the England Senior squad from 1998 with over 80 caps. His touch jump was widely recognised as the best of any England player.

Danny Weemes

Steve Pincott

His previous clubs have been PSvBG Salzburg (AUT), Martinus (NED), London Malory, London Docklands and Wessex. He returned briefly to the UK in the 2006/07 season and played for Malory, losing to Docklands in the Knock Out Cup final.

In the early days, he was assigned the role of ‘setter’, but his remarkable hitting ability through the middle was evident for all to see - He winds up like a windmill in a gale and explodes onto the net with incredible velocity! His fast approach and powerful jump left many a worthy defending blocker ‘stunned’ and ‘fragile’.

His enthusiasm is infectious, as is his frankness and honesty. He is the proverbial optimist saying “its all about burying today’s problems in the challenges of the future and ignoring tomorrow’s problems by reflecting on the achievements of today.

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Steve Pincott

injuries, Steve retired early from the game and decided to move to Australia with his family and start a new career. Even allowing for the differences of the game in his era, his physical, technical and tactical ability would, I am sure, have enabled him to compete in today’s top-level game. A great player who was well respected and admired by his fellow players.”

Danny received 45 caps for GB, making his debut versus Australia, in August 2006, London. He currently plays professional volleyball for Holte IF in Denmark.

Matt Jones Provided with accommodation and some funding he was the first British player to have a professional contract. Steve’s progress as a full time player was enormous and during the latter part of the season became a starting six player. He was a truly world class player. However, he found playing at this level did not outweigh the problems of being on his own, with limited money and without the necessary language skills. After a year he returned to England and joined Speedwell VC in Bristol, where he combined with a number of other outstanding players such as Steve Nuth and Ucal Ashman into a team that dominated English volleyball for a decade.

After a couple of serious ankle

International Player for England and Great Britain from 1990 - 2005 Matt Jones was an old boy of Dalston and Caldew schools. He was a winner of the U18 National Championship, thanks to Jack Harper Tarr (sadly deceased) and Mike Stayman.

From 1990-94, he played for Malory, winning four National Championships. In 1994, he joined Hemiksem in Belgium. This was to be the start of successful European adventure playing in Toulouse, France, Pro A in 1996-97 and Averbode, Belgium in 1997-98.

In 1998, he played for Lausanne UC Switzerland. In 2001, he joined

Austrian side Salzburg moving to Marseille VBC in 2002. In 2006, he joined Martigny VBC in Switzerland, as player/coach.

Nick Keely

Matt believes his most satisfying season was in 2001-2002 with Marseille, “Being an integral part of a championship team in a lower league, actually carried more pressure and more reward than in a team playing mid table at the top, this was at the end of my career so the journey was more important than level, an excellent human adventure of an entire club, 12 players, 20 people involved in the club and the 500 regular fans” he said Matt played for England and GB from 1990 – 2006. His best win the national team was versus France in the 1994 Spring Cup. They were all solid pro’s in one of the top three leagues in the world at the time. The best team he ever played against was Yugoslavia in the 1991 European Championship qualifiers in Las Palmas.

Matt names Ralph Hippolyte and Jeff Williams as having influenced him as a player and Richard Dobell and Alain Fabiani as the best setters he has ever played with.

Matt recalls one particular occasion when Richard Dobell appeared in the pre game huddle with the wrong match shirt, looking around and he said to us all, “you guys all have the wrong shirt!” luckily the hotel was next to the gym ,so Carol (Gordon) could run back and get the proper one for him!”

Matt Jones

Returning home, Arthur soon began playing volleyball recreationally in Chelmsford where he grew up.

However, it was when he began his teacher training at Aviery Hill College of Education in Eltham that a happy coincidence would see him take his hobby to national level. The PE lecturer was Don Anthony, who was also the Chair and Founder of the English Volleyball Association.

Nick Keely International Player for England from 1969 – 1982 Nick Keeley began his volleyball at St Mary’s College, Twickenham alongside fellow student, Keith Nicholls, the present Technical Director for Volleyball England. Nick was playing with the England Senior team in 1970 and was England Captain by 1974, a position he held for 10 years.

Of being inducted into Volleyball England’s official Hall of Fame, he adds, “It was a great experience. I met up with a lot of old friends and it was a tremendous day. Don was, and remains, a huge inspiration to me, so I feel particularly honoured to have been recognised in this way.”

Ucal Ashman International Player for England from 1976 – 1987

Arthur began to take the sport seriously and, playing more and more, made it into the England team.

Ucal Ashman’s volleyball history is the story of a junior spotted at school who developed into a revered player in England and top club teams.

“My first international trip was to Belgium to compete in a Western European tournament,” recalls Arthur. “For the next six years, I repeated that experience all over the world, everywhere from Finland to Israel.

Ucal began his volleyball at Speedwell school influenced by Ray Tingley and the teachers at the school. He was playing with the England 16 Juniors in 1974 and by 1978 was playing with the England Senior Men’s Team.

He was a strong spiker and blocker for both England and his club teams, gaining his 50th England cap in 1975 and his 100th by 1979.

Ray Tingley described Ucal as a gentleman on court, who both loved spectators and were loved by them and who worked very hard, giving up a lot for his sport. Ray also attributed Ucals’s jump and tactical awareness to the time he spent at the Bristol Centre for Excellence run

by Keith Nicholls in the late 70’s.

After St Mary’s College he played with Southgate in the early 70’s moving to play with Putney in 1974, where he then played most of his club volleyball. He worked on the London Volleyball Association’s commissions in the late 80’s.

Ucal played with Bristol Polytechnic in 1978 but had rejoined Speedwell by 1980 and was part of the club’s dominance at the top of English club volleyball for 10 years. He won his 60th England cap by the age of 23 in 1981 and had 150 caps by 1986.

Information supplied by Barbara Totterdell

He tore an achilles tendon in 1988 playing badminton which took him out of the game for a period but was getting back to form in 1990 playing with Redwood Lodge.

Arthur Mosely International Player for England from 1965 - 1971 Arthur is no stranger to students keen on volleyball at Exeter College; Arthur is a familiar face around its corridors on Thursday evenings when he comes back to his former workplace to teach the sport as part of the college’s Enrichment programme.

Matt believes the England team could have gone on to better things, “The team had the potential to be a real European level team (England 91-96), we had the height, the athleticism, the skills but there is no replacing the training hours and regular games at a high level that professionalism gives you, just look at the work being done now with Harry (Brokking)”

a game in the school playground which we’d never seen before. We didn’t know what it was, so we went to have a look and before we knew it they were inviting us to join in.”

Yet the coach, who worked for 21 years full-time in the Sports, Leisure and Tourism faculty, at various times as Acting Head of Faculty or Deputy, has a past which has earned him admiration on both a national and international scale over the years.

Arthur was captain of the British team between 1967 and 1969, playing for England at international level until 1971, and in that time achieving 51 international caps.

Arthur recalls how his own passion for volleyball began on a school trip to Paris when he was 16, “We were staying at a boarding school when we saw some students playing

Arthur Mosely

“I was 22 years old. To have an opportunity to do all that travelling with your peers and friends who all shared the same interest at that age, and to be able to do so playing the sport you loved, was just fantastic.”

Encouraged by the players he sees rising through the ranks year after year at Exeter College, he says: “Some of my past students at Exeter College have gone on to play at international level, or have been selected to play for England’s junior training teams, so I always consider that a possibility with each new intake.

Information supplied by Barbara Totterdell Ucal Ashman

“What really excites me about having the opportunity to continue teaching volleyball to new generations is that I have always gained a great deal pleasure out of the sport, and I love being able to give others the chance to do so too.

“Not all of them will go on to play at a high level by any means. But even for those who won’t, it is nice to know that they are having a thoroughly enjoyable time engaging in an activity which they may otherwise never have had a chance to try.”

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www.volleyballengland.org

Volleyball at the Sainsbury Sheffield played host the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the 2011 Sainsbury’s UK School Games which was held from the 2nd – 5th September 2011. Ten sports were involved in the Games this year: Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Fencing, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Rugby Seven’s, Swimming, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball and Volleyball.

The Games featured a packed four-day programme taking place at some of the region’s premier venues, as well as opening and closing ceremonies, an athletes’ village, simulation doping control and elite athlete role models. The

Sainsbury’s UK School Games replicate a major sporting event such as the Commonwealth Games.

Nathan French who attended the Games as the Athlete Mentor for Volleyball participated at

the UKSGs in Coventry in 2007, winning the competition with the England Central team. He has now gone on to represent Great Britain in Indoor Volleyball and was happy to be back in the UK Schools Games environment commenting, “Its great to be

GIRLS FINAL: ENGLAND CENTRAL v ENGLAND NORTH

Tomasz Morawski (England Central Girls Head Coach) “I’m really happy we won and I hope everyone in the crowd enjoyed the match! Massive congratulations to all my players; all 12 played their part over the weekend and the 7 on court for the final withstood the pressure of the crowds and cameras beautifully. All the squad should be really proud of themselves.”

It was a nervy start from England Central as they were put under a lot of service pressure from England North. After an ace from North’s captain Megan Brocklehurst and a back court hit out from Nicole Parish, England North went into the first technical time out 8 – 5 up.

Strong serving from Central’s Ailis Hunter brought her team back into the set but North’s Amelia Stamp quickly won the serve back with a stinging cross court hit. The North then began to fade as Central’s Mechell Daniel and Nicole Parish began to find their opposition’s floor. A huge block from Jade Butcher gave Central set point which they converted first time to the delight of their noisy supporters.

The second set was much more one sided with England North trailing from the start.

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back at these games as an athlete mentor after being part of the games in 2007. The games are a great way of gaining experience at an early age, it has certainly helped me get used to the pressure of competing at international level”

WINNERS: ENGLAND CENTRAL: 2 – 0 (25-17, 25-12)

The England Central attackers were too powerful and the Northern girls struggled to come back with a reply. To huge cheers the Central Girls converted their first match point with the whole squad sprinting on the court to celebrate!

Nicole Parish (England Central Girls Captain) said, “This is my

third and last year at the UK School Games and the first time we’ve won! Our families and the England Central Boys have been fantastic support throughout the whole four days. I hope I can keep playing at big events like this; my dream would be to play for the Great Britain Volleyball team in the Olympics!”

Final standings: 1st = England Central, 2nd = England North, 3rd = England South, 4th = Scotland West, 5th = Northern Ireland, 6th = Scotland East, 7th = Wales BOYS FINAL: ENGLAND NORTH v ENGLAND SOUTH England South had looked unbeatable throughout the group stages but had lost in straight sets against England Central that

ry’s UK School Games 2011 North simply match their southern counterparts. Number 11 Kostadin Stoimenov hit the final winner and the England South celebrations could begin!

Matt Hunter (England South Boys Captain) said, “The whole tournament has been such a brilliant experience and the gold medal has made it even better.

This is the first time England South Boys have won the tournament and for me personally it’s a great finish to my third and last year here. I think it was our team spirit that won us the game, we were just more up for it!” morning. For the final, Captain Matt Hunter was back from injury and spirits were high.

In the first set the score was agonisingly tight throughout with England South’s Jermaine Miles and England North’s captain Sam Shenton trading huge attacks.

Despite England North saving 2 set points, South substitute Elliot Allison used his height to close the block and put his team ahead 1 – 0.

In the second set, England South raced ahead early on exposing their oppostion’s defence; the North squad urged to focus by their coach Dave Roberts finally broke through with a clever middle attack from Iain McKellar bringing the score to 12-17.

Jermaine Miles, however, was in unforgiving form hammering the ball down in front of his England Junior team mate Sam Shenton.

South’s Ryan Stout continued to find his hitters and England

Neil Masters (England South Boys Head Coach) said, “What a brilliant all round performance from the whole team! It was great to have Matt back leading on court and for me Ryan Stout has been the outstanding player of the whole tournament. The squad would like to dedicate our win to the memory of Curtis Palmer (brother of Ryan Palmer) who sadly passed

Did you know?

SPORTSET SUPER-6

Before the finals of the Sainsburys UK School Games, the volleyball crowds were treated to a Sitting Volleyball demonstration match featuring the GB Men’s Sitting Volleyball Squad against an All Star select. This is the first time the sport had made an appearance at the Games.

The Sportset Super-6 is sponsored by sportset.com.

The Super 6 is awarded to the players who have been voted for by the coaches as the top 6 players of the tournament.

This year they were awarded a golden Mikasa Volleyball and a £25 gift voucher courtesy of Sportset.com. The awards were presented by Paige Nelmes of Sportset.

WINNERS: ENGLAND SOUTH: 2 – 0 (26-24, 25-16) Final standings: 1st = England South, 2nd = England North, 3rd = England Central, 4th = Scotland West, 5th = Scotland East, 6th = Northern Ireland, 7th = Wales The overall team award for the highest combined finishing position went to the boys and girls teams from England North who finished runners up in both competitions.

Girls Sportset Super-6 Jade Butcher - (England Central) Katie Barbour - (Scotland West) Gabriella de Rosa - (England Central) Megan Cheaney - (England South) Mechell Daniel - (England Central) Nicole Parish - (England Central) Boys Sportset Super-6 Sam Shenton - (England North) Ryan Stout - (England South) Jermaine Mile - (England South) Tom Dacey - (Wales) Mark Lawson - (Scotland West) Toby French - (England Central)

Special thanks to all the volunteers and officials who ensured the games ran smoothly, for their enthusiasm and dedication throughout the four days!

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www.volleyballengland.org

London International Invitational Earls Court opened its doors to Volleyball as London prepares for next years games the court and won the third set 25-12.

Egypt beat Serbia 3-0 (34-32, 2516, 25-22). Egypt, ranked 14th in the world, had lost their opening two matches of the competition against USA and Brazil in straight sets, while Serbia, ranked fifth, had won both of theirs over Great Britain and USA. However, an energetic Egypt side prevailed over an out-of-sorts Serbia.

Ben Pipes

Day 1 On the first day of action at the London International Invitational Competition at Earls Court, hosts Great Britain sealed a sensational 3-1 win over Mexico.

Great Britain surged into an early lead thanks to Oluwadamilola Bakare’s blocking and spiking.

Mexico’s Tomas Aguilera struck back with three points, but it wasn’t enough as the home side took the opening set 25-15.

The second set unfolded along similar lines with four powerful spikes from Bakare and two from Mark McGivern. GB eventually winning the set 25-20.

A number of errors from GB and excellent play from Mexico’s Samuel Cordova and Pedro Rangel allowed Mexico to clinch the third set.

The fourth set was scrappy, with a number of unforced errors on both sides of the net. However, the reintroduction of Bakare proved decisive, as he scored six spikes and two blocks. With the score poised at 23-23, two spikes from Bakare saw his side take the set, 25-23, and with it the match.

Elsewhere Brazil saw off Egypt in straight sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-16)

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Dami Bakare

while Serbia beat USA 3-1 (16-25, 25-17, 25-16, 26-24)

Day 2 On Day 2, Great Britain took on a the Serbian side, ranked fifth in the world and with serious medal ambitions at London 2012.

Great Britain started the first set strongly, thanks to some great spiking from Nathan French and Oluwadamilola Bakare.

Nevertheless, the Serbians went ahead with Milan Rasic hitting three spikes and Marko Podrascanin adding two spikes and two blocks.

The second set was more straightforward for Serbia.

Podrascanin and Rasic continued to put the home side under pressure.

Great Britain’s French spiked three winners, but a number of errors cost GB dearly, losing the set.

Great Britain pushed their rivals close in the third set. The side took 7-4 and 13-10 leads. However, the Serbs clawed themselves back into the match through Dokic, Kovacevic and Podrascanin. Great Britain earned a set point at 25-24, but missed their chance. Serbia drew level and then took the next two points, securing a narrow 27-25 set win to take the match 3-0.

Joel Miller

Earlier in the day USA beat Egypt 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-21) after losing their opening games on Wednesday. Brazil proved far too strong for Mexico in the second match of the day as the young South American side beat their Central American rivals with relative ease 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-14).

Day 3 World No. 1 Brazil had little trouble disposing of the hosts Great Britain, streaking out to a 7-0 lead at the start of the match. Great Britain rallied towards the end, with Oluwadamilola Bakare hitting two spiked kills, one blocked winner and serving two aces, but it was too late, Brazil taking the set 25-19.

Set two unfolded along similar lines, with Brazil playing fluid volleyball. Fonteles was again lethal, with his spikes. Britain rallied once more towards the end but Brazil held their nerve to take the set 25-22.

The third set was dominated by the Brazilians from start to finish. Their powerful centre blocker Gustavo Bonnata, made three winning blocks and hit three spiked kills.

Brazil were just too strong all over

USA had an easy time against Mexico, winning in straight sets (25-19, 25-17, and 25-18)

Day 4 On the final day of the London International Invitational, Great Britain sealed their second win of the tournament, as they beat Egypt to finish fifth, showing continued signs of improvement ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games next year.

The win was the second recorded by the British players in the sixteam tournament, following on from a 3-1 opening day triumph over Mexico.

Oluwadamilola Bakare was again the star for the side as he scored 27 of his team’s 96 points, including an impressive 23 spikes, ably assisted by the likes of Andrew Pink, Nathan French and Christopher Lamont. The final score was by 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 25-23.

Brazil and USA put on a five-set thriller in the final game of the tournament but had to settle for silver and bronze respectively, USA winning 3-2 (25-21, 22-25, 25-27, 25-16, 18-16). Serbia’s 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-14) win over Mexico was their fourth in five games as Serbia took home the title. Their 12-point total from five matches was unsurpassable by Brazil or USA.

Nathan French in action Photos Courtesy of Lyn Marshall www.volleyballphotos.co.uk

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National Referee Conference 2011 The National Referee Conference 2011 took place on Saturday 10th September at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering.

Howard Webb MBE

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With the Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, this year’s Conference was much awaited, perhaps more than ever before. Stewart Dunne, Conference Chair, showed a video putting the audience ‘in the mood’ for what Volleyball Officials should expect next year at the ‘greatest show’ on Earth.

The Conference included presentations relevant not only to the Games but also to our own National League and domestic competitions.

Guest speakers included Richard Harrison, President of Volleyball England Coaches Commission, and Howard Webb MBE, England’s most famous International Football Referee who, in the Summer of 2010, took charge of the World Cup final in South Africa between The Netherlands and Spain, in front of almost 85,000 fans and billions of viewers worldwide.

The Conference concluded on a high, with Howard Webb presenting a number of awards and upgrades.

Tony Wood and Peter Parsons were given their WOVD Badges after their successful participation and qualification at the International Course in Sarajevo. Steve Walton was given an award for his dedication and involvement in Sitting Volleyball.

Congratulations to the following people who were upgraded: Grade 3R to 3N: Lenny Barry, Fiona Brock, Jeff Brock, Katarina Cepinova, Tama Feher, Andrew Mant, Keith McAdam, Pete Whyard, Felix Tsui , Alica Chabelova, Gabriel Dan, Katarina Dundjerski, Hedvika Duskova Rachel Kane, Edward Leung, Ross Molero, Anderson Nogueira, Ales Rencin, David Skipsey, Stephen Smith, Vangelis Tsianaxis, Kate Wantuch, Clarisa Thian-puay Choh, Michal Dybowski Grade 3N to 2: John Roffey, Alex Calin, Rita Seregelyi, Andy Smith Speaking after the event, Howard Webb, MBE, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Volleyball Referee Conference at Kettering, meeting such enthusiastic people who clearly have a passion for volleyball and sharing with them my experiences from the world of football officiating”.

Richard Harrison, President, Coaches Commission said “This was my first presentation to the Referees Conference and it was a very useful day for me to provide a coach’s perspective to the audience and to hear some of the individual experiences of referees in their communication with coaches”

s n o i e t t i a t d e p p u com

Super8s - New Playoff format announced for 2011-2012 season

The new Super8s season will see a new playoff format to enhance the leagues objectives and club satisfaction. All stakeholders have been consulted during this process and the proposal reflects feedback from all parties, in the interests of developing a league that attracts investment from sponsors, is suitable for broadcast and delivers significant interest from the members of the public.

A detailed survey was undertaken during the closed season, with the Super8 clubs asked questions about the playoffs and the format from last season.

As a result, a number of changes have been made, which Volleyball England believes enhance the league and interest in it.

titions Commission said, “ We have looked at the format of the Super8s after feedback from clubs and other stakeholders.

We have taken many of these views into consideration and believe the changes will further improve the league.

“Since the NVL changes last season, we continue to make progress. We still have some work to do but overall we believe we are meeting the objectives of the restructure. The NVL continues to be an excellent product which we hope will develop and interlink with regional and local structure, creating a clear competitive pathway.

Speaking of the changes, Paul Bohannan, President of Compe-

Playoff Format Stage 1

Winners & Relegation

All teams will play home and away (14 matches per team).

The winners of the Super8s play off final will be crowned Champions.

These results will go into a league table to decide the playoff positions. Matches scheduled for Saturdays between September and March.

Stage 2 The team finishing in the top position in the regular season will gain an automatic spot in the Super8s play off final.

Teams finishing in positions 2-5 after the regular season, will play in quarter final matches to determine which team will progress to the semi final.

The winner of the semi final match, will play the team finishing top in the regular season to determine the overall Super8s champions.

The 7th placed team in the Suepr8s will playoff with the 2nd placed team from Division 1 (The winner plays in Super 8s, the loser plays in Division 1).

The 8th placed team is relegated to Division 1.

Dates and Venue 2v5 and 3v4 to be played weekends 24-25 March or 31 March-1 April 2012. Teams finishing in positions 2 and 3 after the regular season will host the matches Semi final to be played on Saturday 14 April at the National Volleyball Centre.

Final to be played Sunday 15 April at the National Volleyball Centre.

QUARTER FINAL SCHEDULE Match

Date

Venue

Quarter Final Match 1 2v5

24-25 Mar or 31 Mar-1 Apr Venue of 2

Quarter Final Match 2 3v4

24-25 March or 31 Mar-1 Apr Venue of 3

Super 8 Final weekend at the National Volleyball Centre Kettering Match

Date

Venue

Women’s Semi Final Wnr Match 1 v Wnr Match 2

April 14

NVC, Kettering

Men’s Semi Final Wnr Match 1 v Wnr Match 2

April 14

NVC, Kettering

Women’s Final Team 1 v Semi Final Wnr

April 15

NVC, Kettering

Men’s Final Team 1 v Semi Final Wnr

April 15

NVC, Kettering

Volleyball England makes statement about Birmingham 1 Women Due to circumstances beyond their control, Birmingham 1 Women will be unable to fulfill their fixtures in this year’s women’s volleyball Super 8s.

Despite the efforts made by Volleyball England to prevent this Birmingham 1 Women have withdrawn from the Super 8s.The Competitions Commission has ruled that: “No team will replace Birmingham 1 in the Women’s Super 8s this season.”

“All Super 8 Teams will be awarded 3 – 0 victories against Birmingham 1”.

“Birmingham 1 will drop out of the National League and will need to reapply for entry into Division Three” These results will be reflected in the table on the day that they were due to take place.

As a result of this ruling Birmingham 1 will finish in 8th place and will be relegated in line with the NVL promotion and relegation regulations for 2011-12. The promotion and relegation regulations for 2011-12 will be adjusted for the divisions below the Super 8s to ensure that each division remains with the number of teams that were intended.

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