Three York Volleyball Players get the England Call

Three junior volleyball players from York Volleyball Club have been chosen to join the England Talent Pathway after a successful trial at National Volleyball Centre in Kettering.

William Miller (15), Oliver Quick (14) and Lauren Jones (14) will join the England Cadet Boys and England Cadet Girls at monthly training camps for the coming year. They will have the opportunity to work and train with some of the country’s best players and coaches before trying out for international selection next year.

William (Tadcaster Grammar School) has been involved in volleyball since he was about eight years old but only started training properly two years ago and made his debut with the York Lions Senior team last March. He is a key member of the Yorkshire Junior squad and is now a regular in York Kings, Yorkshire Premier League team and the York Men’s first team, which competes in Division Two North of the National Volleyball League.

Ollie (Manor CE Academy) joined York Volleyball Club in September 2016, like Will he is an integral member of the Yorkshire Junior squad and played his first match for the York Lions Senior team last March. He has now progressed to be a regular in the York Kings team, competing in Yorkshire Premier League and training with Will in the Men’s first team.

Lauren (Selby High School) only started playing volleyball six months ago, she has already represented Yorkshire at the inter-regionals and is a key member of the York Pumas Women’s team.

Jack Deaton, Head of the Playing Committee at York Volleyball Club commented: “It’s an amazing achievement for each of these players to have this huge opportunity! All of them have progressed exceptionally quickly and, to see them being recognised as some of the best the country has to offer, is exactly what we have aimed to help do as a club.”

Gabriela Pecovska, Coach of the York Kings at York Volleyball Club added:

"We would like to thank all parents who take the time to support their kids to make their dreams come true. When I was young I had to fight for my dream so it's difficult not to feel emotional seeing that we ALL helped three young people to step on this great journey, it makes me feel very happy especially because of that. Without opportunity, courage and support it could never happen.

"We would also like to thank Yorkshire Junior Camp organisers and volunteers who have given everyone at the club the opportunity to be a part of the project and do what we love doing. Lauren, Ollie and Will, keep going and you can achieve great things for yourselves. Congratulations to all three of you!"

Junior sessions are held at Huntington School on Friday Evenings 7 - 9pm, players of all ages from 9 years old, and abilities are welcome. Coaches from the club regularly take part in taster days with schools.

York Volleyball Club is Volleyball England’s Club of the Year 2017/18, it has over 100 members and seven competitive teams which train at various locations across York throughout the week.

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