Information Bulletin
Volleyball Dowens is up
The continued growth of volleyball in Shetland is set for a boost this weekend, with a visit for the first time from Thomas Dowens, Director of Coaching with the Scottish Volleyball Association. Twenty four individuals from local volleyball teams and leisure centres will take part in an introductory coaching course to be run at the Clickimin Centre over the weekend.
Volleyball was a popular sport in Shetland during the late 1980s and after an absence of a few years, caught the public imagination again during the 2005 NatWest Island Games in Shetland, where crowds flocked to see the action at Clickimin. There are now 22 adult and junior teams - totalling around 150 players - taking part in regular winter leagues organised by Shetland Islands Volleyball Association (SIVA).
Commenting on the current state of the sport, Mike Bradley, SIVA Chairman said –“The 2005 Games was a great showcase for volleyball and the growth of the sport in the last two years has been phenomenal. The future of Shetland volleyball however lies in coaching and player development and we are very pleased to have made a link with the Scottish Volleyball to help us achieve that.”
Before his arrival in Shetland tomorrow (Friday), Mr Dowens commented – “Scottish Volleyball is delighted to be able to help develop the sport in Shetland. We believevolleyball offers a fabulous opportunity for people to get fit and meet other people while playing a great game. I am really looking forward to the trip."
The weekend course has been organised through a partnership between Shetland Islands Volleyball Association, Scottish Volleyball and the Sport & Leisure Service of Shetland Islands Council.
ENDS