‘Castle News

Number 47 July 2010

Sandbanks and Whitefield!

Welcome from the Chair

Contents

3-5- ‘Castle News updates

6-Sandbanks

7- Whitefield

8-9 – Rod’s Olympic Dream

10-11 – My Perfect 6 – Rachel Viggars

12 – ‘Castle online

13- Club Shop

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MATRIX

AGGREGATES

The recent Sandbanks, Whitefield and High Peaks event have shown yet again the extent and range of opportunities that NSVC members take part in to play and learn as much volleyball as possible. What is great to hear from those that went to these events is the fantastic level of play, enjoyment and behaviour from our young players – it really is a testament to all involved that around 70 ‘Castle members have been away on residential trips to either competitions or training camps in July!

Keep enjoying your volleyball and making the most of your opportunities!

Colin RobertsNSVC Chair

News Updates from ‘Castle!

Where do you wear your ‘Castle top?!Where are you going on holiday this summer (or where have you been?!)? Why not take your ‘Castle top with you and get a photo wearing it at a tourist landmark... The Eiffel Tower, the Coliseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, or the beach in Ibiza!! To get the ball rolling here’s a snap of Will Roberts with ‘Castle old boys Neil Masters and Si Ibbotson outside the stadium for the semi-finals of the men’s Olympic Volleyball competition in Athens in 2004!Send your pics through to willroberts1981@hotmail.com

4 ‘Castle Juniors confirm place at National Volleyball Academy in

LoughboroughIn the previous edition of ‘Castle News we reported on the impending launch of the brand new Volleyball England National Academy programme at Loughborough College.NSVC juniors from both the boys and girls were invited to join the programme and four have confirmed their attend starting in September. They are Meg Viggars, Roo Scott, Sam Shenton and James Goodwin. In total at present three girls and eight boys are confirmed to be part of the programme in its’ first year, with all players allowed to play for their clubs in both junior competitions and the NVL.This is a really exciting opportunities for all of the players involved and ‘Castle wishes our four players the very best of luck as the embark on this daily training programme.

Welcome to Baby Beard!Congratulations from everyone at ‘Castle to Ruth Beard and hubby Darren on the birth of their first child! Charlotte Beard was born at 2.01am on the 30th July, weighing in at a very healthy 8lb 4oz!

We now wait to see with baited breath whether young Charlotte will follow Mummy’s Footsteps and become asetter... One thing’s for sure, she’ll be a Leicester Tigers fan!

NSVC links with City of Stoke-on-Trent 6th Form CollegeFor the past 4 years NSVC has developed a fantastic relationship with City of Stoke-on-Trent College in Fenton, seeing the growth of the Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) at the college to provide three training session per week for players. In 2010-11 we will continue to work closely with the college to further develop this programme which is unique in North Staffordshire, to provide daily opportunities to train through a partnership between club and college. Whilst many ‘Castle Juniors will always opt to attend other colleges, the 6th Form College in Fenton is the only one with this formal link to the club, and is the only place where players will get the chance to train on a daily basis locally. Junior Boys Head Coach Will Roberts said, “The link with Fenton is fantastic for our young players. I did my ‘A’ Levels there back in 1998-2000 and only wish I’d had the chance to train for volleyball at college as often as they now offer through TAP. It wasn’t until I started my degree at Loughborough that I got anywhere near the quantity of training needed to play at a decentlevel so I hope that by strengthening the link to Fenton we are able to help our young players progress and keep up to speed with their studies.”

News Updates from ‘Castle!

My Perfect teamIf you would like to nominate your own perfect 6 please do so as soon as possible! Please remember that this is your newsletter so you need to contribute by emailing your selection to Will Roberts on willroberts1981@hotmail.com- Rachel Viggars team this month was the first ladies perfect 6 we’ve had, so girls please send them in!

Remember, it doesn’t have to be a ‘Castle team but could be from anything you fancy, for example an international team, or best ever NVL side etc!

Mr and Mrs DeavilleStephanie Desolle and Mark Deaville tied the knot this month, as reported by Rach Viggars who is photographed on the day with her sister and fellow ‘Castle-ite Ruth Beard. “Frenchie” got married Friday 9th July at MadeleyChurch followed by a reception at The Three Horse Shoes, Blackshaw Moor.

The power of Bradders!Men’s squad player Adam Bradbury clearly hit the gymhard after the disappointment of relegation at the end oflast season... he spiked a ball so hard in training that itpopped as the photo here shows! Known for his powerfulhitting, Bradders has developed tremendously since takingup volleyball in February 2009 and is likely to be one of the star players in NVL 1 next season.

News Updates from ‘Castle!

New coaches needed!With the continued growth of our club, particularly in the junior ranks (!) Newcastle (Staffs) Volleyball Club is seeking new coaches for the following squads:• Senior ladies – playing in NVL2 North in 2010-11 season• Junior girls – leading/ supporting specific squads following discussion with girls head coach Ant Viggars

North Staffs Youngsters play in first Premier League 4 Sport TournamentThe first Premier League for Sport National Volleyball Tournament on Friday 2nd July at Sandwell, West Midlands proved to be a huge success with over 150 young people taking part.

The tournament brought together the young people from across the Premier League Clubs and gave them the opportunity to showcase their volleyball skills in friendly competitions against other Clubs connected with the PL4S project –all kitted out in the football strip of that club! For some this was their first ever volleyball competition so a big day! Ofall of the PL4Sport satellite clubs it is that at Painsley in Cheadlethat NSVC has the closest connection with so far, and PainsleyStudents Jacob Lovatt, Richard Williams, Danni Mc Cormack and Amber Johnson represented Stoke City. The boys finished 6th

and the girls 9th – well done!

Sandbanks Beach Fest Over the weekends 17th/18th 2010 ‘Castle went ‘en-masse’ to the Sandbanks Beachfest Tournament.

The visit to Sandbanks was NSVCs first organised trip to this tournament and was attended by 12 of the clubs junior section. Luckily the sun shone at the fantastic location which only enhanced the fantastic time had by all.

For the record, Richard James / Jordan Aldeburgh looking beach naturals were runners up in the u16 boys and Meg Viggars / Charlotte James were also runner up in the u18 girls tournament agonisingly losing in the deciding set in their much anticipated clash with the Wessex duo of Tinker / Nelmes.

After receiving compliments at the campsite about the respectful behaviour of NSVC youngsters, without doubt NSVC will make the long trip to the south coast again next year.

The ‘Castle contingent tuck into an evening BBQ at the campsite!

Whitefield VolleyFestThe regular trip to Bath was made on the 24-25th July by a much larger contingent of 33 members with 3 teams in action and again we were treated to fine weather. The social element of camping on Bath Rugby pitch was as always at the fore with the Saturday evening disco a major attraction.

As for the teams, a youthful mens 1st team reached the semi-finals indoors. A very inexperienced Gios mens team competed well outdoors and Lady Gios went out in the semi’s having dominated the tournament until that point.

Thanks to the parents who also made the trip and without whom we would not be able to take so many juniors to this event.

Congratulations and thanks go to all who have to their credit, competed and socialised with equal vigour at the tournaments.

The young ‘Castle outdoor teams in

action and the ‘Castle campsite in full swing on Saturday evening

at Whitefield!

Rod’s Olympic DreamsI can’t remember the exact details of how it came about, but my name was put forward to be part of a new team providing statistics for the first Volleyball competition to be held at the 2007 UK School Games at Coventry.

I had no idea what to expect when I turned up in the morning for a training session to learn how to put the VIS statistics software to use. It all seemed fairly complex – 2 teams of 3 people at either end of the court, made up of one person to call the plays on their side of the net, another to type these strange calls into the laptop using a specially adapted keyboard, and a third person to write it all down in case the software crashed! Despite the troublesome software, by the end of the Event we had all come to grips with the statistics that we were producing, had managed to have a little fun to keep ourselves sane, and had learnt a new skill that we thought we would never have to use again. We had also given sheets of paper with all sorts of numbers on to the coaches, some of whom had greeted them with very puzzled looks.

That was the start of my involvement with statistics. Since then, I have taken part in all of the subsequent UK School Games, where last year, I was asked to supervise the boys final (I found this a little difficult as a large number of the England Central team were from ‘Castle men’s 2nd team and I did find myself celebrating as Roman Neveykin hit the final winning point), making sure that everything was accurate, and that if there were any problems, they were taken care of quickly, smoothly and discreetly. I have also been asked for the last 2 ½ years to be part of the team providing the official CEV statistics for the home legs of the European League matches for the Great Britain Men’s and Ladies teams.

This year whilst taking part in the International matches, I’ve been asked if I would again be part of the team at the UK School Games, but with the added responsibilities of helping with the training of some more people new to the world of statistics, and also running the statistics provision of one of the courts.

This is a long way from where I started, and my ambitions have grown from learning to do something new, to doing the best I can to make use of my new skills, to being the best that I can with these skills, and finally, aspiring to being part of the team of officials and volunteers that will help to make the Olympic Games the spectacle that we all hope it will be. (It hasn’t yet been fully confirmed, but we have spoken about the Olympics, and my experience, ability and progression could mean that I will be leading a team of volleyball statistics providers at the Games)

Of course, by products of learning this new skill have been that I have got to watch some very high standard Volleyball, and I have got to meet, some paid and some voluntary, but all fantastic, friendly people that work tirelessly to put on high quality International events. I have also been lucky enough to see both players and teams progress through a great deal of hard work and determination.

Rod’s Olympic Dream continued...

There have been many highlights to the miles that I have travelled to help out, and I would like to share a few with you.

The most memorable match –the first UK School Games final at Coventry between England Central and England South. The reason this match sticks in my mind is not because it was the first final that I had provided statistics for, but for 2 other reasons –the standard and quality of play from 17 year old boys (these 2 teams could have competed in NVL Division 1 and not disgraced themselves), but also the fact that during the hitting warm-up, Nathan French (England Central) managed to break 2 laptops in as many minutes!!

The most nervous –being sat next to a TV microphone, calling an International match that was being broadcast live. The reason that the nerves crept in was not worry about making a mistake in the calling of the plays, but the fact that I may be so engrossed in the match that I would forget that the microphone was there, and anyone watching would hear what we thought of the players, how much we were looking forward to dinner that evening and a pint or 2 afterwards or any other amount of idle chatter between points!!

The Proudest Moment –Receiving a gold medal at the UK School Games. At the 2008 UK School Games, Matt Rogers had assembled a crack team of volleyball playing volunteers, and originally challenged the stats team to a match. This progressed to a four team tournament with a team of referees, and a team of NTOs (Non-Technical Officials or line judges). Three 1 set matches later, the stats team emerged (as most of us could no longer move very well), battered, bruised and victorious. Some of the ‘Castle junior players involved that year couldn’t believe they had seen me playing (I would say moving and playing, but I had to rely on reading the game as movement wasn’t really happening).

The most Awe Inspiring moments –these all come from men’s matches. The first was the Spanish setter last year who had a special link with his libero on service reception, as most of the time when the ball was just contacting the libero’s arms, the setter was already in the air to jump set as he knew where the ball was going to be from the pass. The second was recently, when Dami Bakare came on as a substitute against Slovakia and hit a screaming shot down the line, making contact with the ball at the top of the aerial. Thirdly, last year, in their match against Spain, Yassir Slitti came off the bench and made an immediate impact, as his first touch of the ball was one of the most powerful hits I have ever seen, landing well inside the 3m line on Spain’s side of court, and nearly bouncing into the roof at Ponds Forge International Hall! (If you ask me how I called this I will tell you, but it’s certainly not for publication!)

The most improvement –for a team, this has to be GB men, who have gone from a strong starting 6 with a bench that were struggling, to a squad of 12 players any one of which could be a starting 6 contender. They have also had some great results this year against top class opposition, beating Azerbaijan, narrowly losing to Greece 17-15 in the 5th set, and beating Slovakia 3-0 on Sunday 6th June, 2010 at The EIS. For an individual I would have to say Dan Hunter, who 12 months ago found it very difficult to get court time as Matt Howe had made the libero role his own, but when Dan did get on court, he looked nervous to say the least. Dan’s hard work has seen his confidence grow to a point where 70-80% of serves that he passes are classed as excellent, that is the setter can set at least 3 hitting options from the pass.As I look forward to taking the seat with the best view of any Volleyball match, and with the strong hope that I will have the honour of being asked to be a part of the Olympic Games, I have to ask if I’m glad I tried something new? Sitting courtside with no-one obstructing my view, of course the answer has to be a resounding yes!!

My Perfect 6: Rachel ViggarsSince the start of the Ladies team in 2000, there has certainly been some changes in the ladies squad, both in terms of players and coaches! Over the years, volleyball has become a huge part of my life and I have made some fantastic life long friends along the way. The ladies team has certainly focused on the social life of volleyball, with many nights out and it hasn’t been until the last few years that the team has become more successful in the league table, despite being competitive on court. In view of this my dream team has been chosen for 2 reasons: there are some players that were so good that just couldn’t be missed out and then there are the ones who over the past 10years we have seen each other grow up, get married and have kids, and had a great time playing volleyball along the way with some very happy memories!

Setter -Sophie Cawdell – tough and competitive on court. She fought for every ball and is a true team player

Other setters!Ruth Beard – I’ve loved being on court with my big sis Roothie, we’ve had a great time over the years. A dedicated player who would do anything for the team. A natural organiser! Funniest moment though has to be mentioned (sorry Roothie) when she knocked herself out on court at Gloucester and Laura Bebbington (Bebs) just shouted “Sub, lets get on with the game”!!

Grace Burton – aka “Babs” our very 1st Junior! We all used to mother her but she soon grew up and taught us all a thing or two about being out on the town. A great fun team player! Great to see her still playing for Sheffield where she went off to Uni.

Opposite –Meg Viggars – a fantastic young talent (I know I’m biased but I think most would agree!). I think she gave us oldies a shock when she started playing NVL at aged 14 with a huge jump! A truly awesome player, very competitive and wise beyond her years when on the court.

Middle –Caroline Dale (Di Melo) – When she was on form she could really connect with the ball and a successful block. She has played for Bristol for a few years, but there is always hope she will return home to Stoke and sign for Castle again!

Anna Likhtenchtein - a brilliant Russian player, she always made everything look so effortless and easy. A clever player. Still living in Keele but gave up playing as she has 2 small children. We would all love her to come back!

Other Middles!

Steph Fletcher “Fletch” – “De Fletch Massive!” Great fun to be on court with and socialise with. On her good days she was a match winner. Not quite as competitive as the rest of us at times, and she still calls everyone “Dude!”

Steph Desolle “Frenchie” – practically English now she’s been here so long. As one of the long standing members I’ve loved playing with her and we’ve had some great times and funny moments!

Outside –Laura Pritchard “Chall” – excellent technically, another one of the originals – fantastic backcourt in particular. You could always rely on Chall to be in the right place to cover (hopefully she’ll be making a come back after her 1st

baby is born in October!)

Charlotte James “CJ” A youngster when she started in the ladies team and still only 18! What she doesn’t have in height she makes up for with her jump, and she can really hit the ball hard. Occasionally “away with the fairies” but it’s part of her charm!

OthersFiona Fazackerly – certainly made an impact when she joined the club for a few years. A match winner on her good days. A hard hitting aggressive player who forced a necessary turning point in our level of plat and the team became noticeably more competitive as a result.

With, Meg, CJ and Fiona all on court we posed a formidable attacking presence – the best in the league.

Rach Viggars – me! I suppose I’d class myself as a steady player who worked hard and was committed to the team, but the reason I would pick myself into the final spot in the squad is that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the opportunity to play with these great players, many of whom have become life long friends!

1st 6:Setter Sophie CawdellMiddle Anna Likhtenchtein Caroline DaleOutside Laura Challinor Charlotte JamesOpposite Meg Viggars

Stay in touch with ‘Castle: online

The club’s communications strategy (part of the four-year club development plan) is now very well advanced following the launch of our You Tube channel and Wikipedia page in the first few months of 2010. These additions to the existing ‘Castle News, www.nsvc.co.uk and Facebook group give us what is hopefully excellent connectivity to our members through whatever medium they prefer. Soon to come on board is the final piece in the jigsaw for now! Happy browsing!

www.nsvc.co.uk The club website gives regular updates of information on both the home and news pages,, team and player profiles, plus carries all club match reports and an up to date club calendar

‘Castle News The club’s unique monthly e-newsletter is now available only as a download through the club website’s news pages at www.nsvc.co.uk/latest-news

FacebookSign up to ‘Castle at www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=12327566316

WikipediaThe NSVC Wikipedia page was launched in March 2010 and will provide a great historical record of the club and its’ achievements over the past 30 years and the years to comehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcastle_(Staffs)_Volleyball_Club

You TubeMatch videos can be posted online at our very own You Tube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/NSVC1

TwitterCOMING SOON – NSVC TWITTER FEEDS

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