Volleyball academy students excel at UK School Games

NuLC’s Volleyball Academy pair Rich James and Rosie Barley both returned with gold medals from the Sainsbury’s UK School Games in Manchester at the weekend. Both starred in England teams that remained unbeaten throughout the tournament against opponents from Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The UK School Games is an annual sporting competition for elite school-age  athletes and features teams from all 4 home nations. The event is based on the Olympic Games model, with multiple sport events held across an intensive three-day period, with competitors staying in an athletes village.

Rich, one of the countries leading libero’s was the steady influence for a strong attacking England Junior Boys, whilst Rosie was a standout consistent performer in the tall talented England Cadet Girls team. Both enjoyed 2-0 victories over Scotland West in the final. The Academies Flossie Owen also featured at the games, developing her officiating skills in her role as courtside assistant.

 

Rich and Rosie will now focus on preparation for the NEVZA Tournament in early November, where they will compete against North European opposition including Sweden and Norway.