Newcastle (Staffs) Volleyball Club - national award winners

After what has undoubtedly been one of their most successful ever seasons on the court as a club, Newcastle (Staffs) Volleyball Club’s achievements have been recognised by the sport’s National Governing Body.

The Volleyball England Annual Awards were held on Saturday 17^th May and for the second time in three years they scooped the prestigious Volleyball England ‘CLUB OF THE YEAR’ award, confirming their status as the highest performing Volleyball Club in England, an unprecedented achievement!

For the 2nd year in a row, the club has also had the Volleyball England Volunteer of the Year: after Rod Stockwell won in 2007, the Club Chairman Colin Roberts was confirmed as ‘VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR’!

Club of the Year Summary: Newcastle (Staffs) Volleyball Club

From Volleyball England’s Club Development Officer Stuart Johnson:

Alongside winning Volleyball England’s Club of the Year Award, Newcastle (Staffs) was also selected as one of the three representatives of Volleyball in the CCPR Sports Club of the Year Award.

This is an outstanding achievement by the club as Colin Roberts, Club Chairman, explains "Winning Club of the Year in 2006, finishing runner-up in 2007; and now winning in 2008, is a reward to the 'Band of Volunteers', and a reflection of their sustained efforts over the years. Newcastle (Staffs) share the vision of being recognised as a "Top Club" - attempting to deliver excellence in all areas, and gradually helping to raise the bar within English and U.K. Volleyball."

An in depth and innovative application form impressed the judging panel who were amazed at the commitment the club receives from its dedicated band of volunteers who help to organise, train and compete in over 30 club teams at every level of competition from local league through National tournaments.

Volunteer of the Year Summary: Colin Roberts

From Volleyball England’s Workforce Development Officer Joanne Richards:

Colin gives up an inordinate amount of time to make sure that Volleyball is truly on the map in North Staffordshire. Not only does he drive forward the club's vision as chair, but he also coaches, meets community groups, establishes relationships, completes award bids, is in regular media liaison & makes sure everyone feels part of the club. Colin has coached a group of 30 students at Stoke-on-Trent 6th form college this year, some of which were complete beginners at the sport & taken both the boys and girls teams to the semi finals of the British Colleges competition. He is a true advocate for the sport of volleyball trying to better itself at community level; every club needs someone with the vision, drive, energy, and enthusiasm of Colin.

Sport across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent would like to congratulate Newcastle (Staffs) Volleyball Club and its dedicated volunteer workforce on winning both these prestigious awards as well becoming the first volleyball club in the sub-region to become a Volley 1 Accredited Club.

For further information look at their website - www.nsvc.co.uk

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