Volleyball tournament helps Get Kids Going

Over 70 competitors took to the court as the sun shone on St Luke’s Campus for the four vs. four charity event which pitched players of all abilities against each other in weekend of friendly competition.

Volleyball Club Captain Mathilde Pavis explained how the event, in its inaugural year, was a huge success with both student and non-student teams lining up to take part. “The event went really well for the first time ever” she commented, “several Volleyball alumni made appearances and we sold over 150 tickets for the charity raffle. Everyone had a great time; the weather was perfect despite some sunburnt players.”

In all over £400 was raised for the Get Kids Going charity which provides disabled children and young people with equipment and support to help them participate in sport at all levels.

The event also offered an opportunity for volleyballers of all experiences to compete and learn. Mathilde added: “We had the pleasure to get people involved with volleyball for the first time as well as host very prestigious teams like the Devon Ladies National team, whilst our own British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) team mixed it up with the elite “Exeter Storm” side.”

The University of Exeter has a strong history of volleyball with former sports scholar Lucy Boulton having competed in the world beach volleyball championships in 2009 and 2011.

Athletic Union president Joe Batten congratulated the club on offering something new for their members and raising money for such a worthy cause. He said: “The event was a huge success and it is brilliant to see the club providing opportunities for players past and present to come and try volleyball in a fun environment.

The weather was perfect for the tournament and it is fantastic that so many people came to support the club and this brilliant cause. Each year the Athletic Union raises tens of thousands of pounds for charities all over the world through events like this and it is always very rewarding to see all that hard work benefit those who need it most.”

18 teams stepped up to the net throughout the weekend for some closely fought matches, before team Green Machine  (James Annells, Heiko Voss, Jarvis Lam, Nikos Konstantinidis, Matt Rowles)  were finally crowned champions on Sunday afternoon.

Mathilde finished: “It was a great first grass tournament for the club and we are eager to do it again next year. There could not have been a better way to close the season with everyone.”