New National Volleyball Centre launched in Kettering

Wed 18th November 09

Volleyball England has signed with The Kettering Conference Centre to become the base for training and competition for the National Men’s, Women’s, Junior and Great Britain’s Sitting Volleyball Teams over the next four years.

The launch of The National Volleyball Centre took place on Saturday 7th November. The Centre was opened by Maria Bertelli, the GB Indoor Volleyball Captain. A number of VIPs were also present - The Mayor of Kettering, Ruth Groome, The Leader of Kettering Borough Council, Cllr James Hakewill and Honorary President of Volleyball England, Dr Don Anthony. The new facility was also open to the public who were able to feel the energy and excitement around the opening as well as seeing The National Junior and GB Sitting Volleyball Squads in action.

Maria Bertelli commented: “The opening of the new National Volleyball Centre in Kettering is great news for all aspiring volleyball players - I wish we had it years ago! It is a fantastic facility and there is no doubt that it will help in our quest to be a successful volleyball nation. As well as excellent playing and support areas, it provides an environment that promotes excellence, enabling the players to solely focus on becoming better volleyball players.”

The Centre will provide top class sports facilities for international athletes and competitions in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. East Midlands Development Agency, Kettering Borough Council, and Northampton Enterprise Limited have also provided funding which has helped to create the Centre into a top class venue by creating four volleyball courts, new seating areas and a social and educational area. The Kettering Conference Centre has an excellent combination of both conference and indoor sporting facilities with good wheelchair access.
Other partners include the PTE group in association with Schelde International, one of the most respected volleyball products in its field, which has provided a free full international specification set of volleyball equipment for the Centre.

Cllr James Hakewill, Leader of Kettering Borough Council, said: “The news that Volleyball England has selected Kettering Borough as their National base is extremely pleasing. A lot of work has gone in to make it possible for this to happen and I would like to thank Volleyball England, Kettering Conference Centre and our officer colleagues for the hard work involved to achieve this. Kettering is an excellent location for any national organisation being at the very centre of England with superb communication links by road, rail and air. The additional opportunities for local people to engage in the sport also meet many of our objectives for improving the health and fitness of the Borough’s residents. I am looking forward to seeing Volleyball England prosper in their new headquarters.”

Jeff Moore, Chief Executive of East Midlands Development Agency said: “emda is delighted to be supporting Volleyball England’s National Centre, and pleased that Kettering has been chosen to be the nation's new home for volleyball. The Centre will make a significant impact on the Northamptonshire economy through visitor stays and attracting international matches. It will also provide a great facility for local communities that will attract people of all ages to come and try an Olympic and Paralympic sport in the run up to the Games in London in 2012”

For further information please visit www.volleyballengland.org
For any media enquiries or photography please contact Grant Rowley on 01628 676110 or grant@promotepr.com
For more information on the venue please contact christine@ketteringconference.co.uk or visit www.ketteringconference.co.uk