NVL Newcomers - Worthing (women)

This is the second article in a series highlighting the new teams joining the NVL for the 2024-25 season. Worthing Volleyball Club is introducing a women’s team to the NVL, complementing their men’s team, who also compete in Division 3 South East.

Year formed: 1993. 

Club chair:? 

NVL coach: Robyn Wisdom

Social media handles: @worthingvolleyballclub on Instagram

Following impressive local success, Worthing Volleyball Club is set for a new challenge in Division 3 South East this year. "One of our ladies' teams has won the local league every year for more than eight seasons," says NVL secretary Faye Fullalove. "Our NVL team will bring together the best players from our three Sussex Volleyball League women’s teams."

Founded in 1993, the club celebrated its 30th anniversary last November. Worthing hosts over 100 young players, with rapid growth during COVID-19 thanks to outdoor sessions. The club fields five men’s teams and three ladies teams in the Sussex Volleyball League and now aims for NVL success in both men’s and women’s categories.

Last season, the men’s team narrowly missed out on the top spot in Division 3 South West, finishing second to Southampton. With the club's growth, Worthing is eager for new competition. 

“We’re really looking forward to challenging and developing ourselves, and inspiring our junior players,” says Fullalove. Competing at a higher level “helps our NVL ladies bond as a team and improve both collectively and individually.”

Entering the NVL, Worthing aims for promotion, though they acknowledge the adjustment period. 

"Ideally, we would want to challenge for promotion, but given it’s our first season in the NVL, we need to get used to playing at this level and as this team," says Fullalove. "As long as we play well together and win some games, we will be happy."

The team has strengthened its roster with the addition of Theresa Farley from local rival Sussex Dolphins. Farley, last season’s MVP for Division 2 South, is expected to be a significant asset. Another key player to watch is Ilona Bednarz, who will coach and lead the team as a standout hitter and committed defender.

Worthing Volleyball Club continues to grow and develop, offering various junior sessions and teams competing in the Junior Grand Prix and other local tournaments. Being by the sea, the club is also active in beach volleyball, with members regularly participating in beach and grass volleyball activities.