12 Aug 2024
The University of Newcastle take on Super League and NVL teams
The North East higher education institution will also host matches for the two teams at the University of Newcastle Sports and Fitness Centre.
Last season, the men’s team finished eighth in Super League to avoid a relegation/promotion play-off and will be hoping to push their way up the table during 2024-25.
The women’s team, meanwhile, will be playing at a higher level than last season, having won promotion from Division 2 North, where they remained unbeaten throughout their 14 matches, dropping just one set throughout their campaign.
Both teams will be known as the Newcastle Knights.
Katy Storie, Director of Sport said: “Newcastle University has had great success in volleyball in recent years and we are strongly committed to supporting the development of the game across the region and beyond.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to bring these highly successful teams into our National League (Newcastle Knights) programme and further developing volleyball here at the University.
“It promises to be an exciting 2024-2025 season, both in the league and cup competitions, and we are looking forward to seeing the best players in the region competing.”
Rob Payne, Volleyball England’s Strategic Manager for An Ace Service, which oversees competitions, said: “Having spoken to Newcastle University at length, it is clear to see that they have an ambitious, but stable, infrastructure, which aligns itself well with the NVL five-year vision.
“The transition seems straightforward, with many of the players and coaching staff already based at the university, and it will be an attractive place for prospective top level players to come and play in the future as the teams look to establish themselves in Super League and the NVL.”
Follow the Newcastle Knights across social media via @nclsport.
