MAJOR STEP FOR VOLLEYBALL

OPENING of the National Volleyball Academy is a potentially big step forward in a sport in which Britain has much catching up still to do. The first intake started at Loughborough College in September 2010 and already academy members are recognising the benefits. Seventeen-year-old Rupert Scott, from Stoke-on-Trent, sums up: “Being together as an academy enables us all to train every day. All other countries do so but we used to get together once a week at Kettering, as well as twice a week at our clubs.” Iain McKellar, 16, from Macclesfield, who has been playing the sport for three years, says: “I think it’s brilliant. It gives us the chance to train and make ourselves better. I think it will certainly benefit us. What we need is to catch people at a younger age and train them up.” The girls may be outnumbered at present - three to nine - but are equally enthusiastic. Paige Nelmes, 17, of Poole, Dorset, whose parents were both volleyball players, says she is really enjoying being part of the new venture. “I’d like to play professionally and go to an Olympics,” she said. One of the main benefits, she adds, is the chance to socialise and talk to others about their experiences. “Everyone here is in the same boat, which is a good thing,” says 17-year-old Hannah Carey, from Worthing. In a way we are guinea pigs but this is the best experience I have ever had.” She is combining improving her volleyball with studying for a national diploma in uniformed services which could lead to a career in the services. College elite sport education officer Chris McGeorge summed up: “We are extremely excited about bringing the volleyball academy to Loughborough. “This will play a part in improving standards in a popular sport which is great for Britain. Whilst here the volleyball players will get access to world class coaching, mix with top sportspeople from a range of other sports and gain from the chance to continue their education in a supportive environment. “Volleyball is just the start for us. We would like to bring other sports academies to Loughborough where the facilities and combination of sport and education is unrivalled.”

Latest News