NVL Newcomers - Newcastle Staffs (women)

Year formed: 1980

Club Chair: Will Roberts

NVL coach: Ant Viggars

Building on the success of the women's first team, who excelled last season in Division 3 Central finishing second and winning their playoff game against Hull Thunder to secure promotion to Division 2 North, the west midlands-based team has achieved another milestone, with the club's women's second team now being successfully accepted into the NVL, further strengthening their national presence.

After a positive season in the West Midlands Division 1 and significant growth at both the coaching level and in female junior participation,the club recognised the need to push for national-level competition.

“It was evident that for the more ambitious U18’s within the club who wanted to gain greater match play experience a second team would be a significant benefit ” while also serving as a crucial pathway towards the club’s first team.

Hannah Donaldson, club secretary for Staffs has spoken about the team’s motivation to join the NVL and eagerness for the new season “competing well in the West Midlands league has definitely enthused players to progress as a team into the NVL and has given individuals the appetite and focus to reach individuals goals”.

The second team will act as a springboard to allow junior players to gain experience on a national level whilst also competing in the Junior Grand Prix which they had representation in all age groups last season in both boys and girls competitions

Hannah then goes on to say “We have a thriving Junior programme from ages ten and up competing through the year. With players who came through our club’s junior development pathway now playing in a range of professional leagues overseas“.

As part of their junior program, the Staffordshire-based team regularly hosts beach volleyball sessions at their Beach Volleyball Development Centre at Keele University. These sessions provide players with the opportunity to maintain and enhance their volleyball skills over the summer, allowing them to bring these improved techniques into the indoor season.

A standout player to emerge from this strong junior programme is Isabel Regan, who has progressed impressively through the ranks and is definitely one to watch according to Hannah.

“Isabel is an athletic passer and spiker of the ball, playing a key role in the U16 and U18 teams over the past few seasons. Having already gained valuable experience with the first team”

She is looking to further develop her skills in the second team with a more commanding presence with her hope of also competing in the Junior Grand Prix for another season.

Another player to watch out for is Michelle Amanfi, Michelle is “expected to be one of the second teams strongest performers, she is known for her versatility and ability to play a variety of positions makes her a formidable player to keep an eye on” explains Hannah. 

The Staffs remain ambitious and optimistic, hoping to follow in the footsteps of their first division's women's team with a successful first season in the National Volleyball League. 

Follow Newcastle Staffs on their social media channels: @castle_vb (Instagram) and Newcastle Staffs Volleyball Club (Facebook)