Sitting Cup Preview - Hants' Sholto-Douglas hopes for repeat success

One person who certainly hopes so is the Portsmouth-based team’s Laura Sholto-Douglas, who says the team is quietly confident of a repeat success. 

This year’s competition, which first began in 2015, sees a move in venue which aligns with Volleyball England’s overall switch to a new hub. 

Instead of the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering, this time players will be taking to the court at the Loughborough University campus (10am start), where Sitting Grand Prix rounds have been staged this season. 

Regardless of venue, Laura is optimistic of another strong showing under experienced Head Coach Richard Osborne MBE. 

Last year, South Hants beat Help for Heroes as Lincoln Imps defeated Nottingham Casualties in the Shield final.

This time, the defending champions will be joined by Help for Heroes, Sitting Bucks, Lincoln Imps, Salisbury Spitfire, and Diggles Panthers in battling it out for the prize.

“I am confident we can defend the trophy,” said Laura, 25. “We have been training hard with a real focus on consistency and teamwork, and the addition of a few new players has strengthened our overall skill set. 

“Winning the Cup last year was fantastic. It was one of the first times I had played sitting volleyball competitively and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  

“The team were determined and extremely competitive, but also enjoyed themselves throughout. I was thrilled to come home with the win and overjoyed for my whole team. It made me feel very much a part of the community. 

“I think that we are happy with this season's progress. We are gelling well as a team. 

“Our coach keeps a log of detailed statistics from our matches to ensure that we know which areas to focus on and where our strengths lie. 

“Key for us will be maintaining strong communication on court, staying disciplined in defence and focused under pressure, and continuing to build our chemistry as a squad.” 

Laura began playing sitting volleyball after sustaining a severe knee injury while playing standing volleyball in December 2023, which meant she was unable to play for an extended period of time. 

A friend suggested she could play sitting to keep her skills up during the recovery period – and she has never looked back. 

Laura added: “I knew South Hants had a sitting volleyball club but had never tried it. 

“Once I joined a session, I really enjoyed it - the team were extremely welcoming and friendly, and adapting to the game was a fun challenge. 

“I’ve now been playing with South Hants since February 2025 and intend to continue alongside standing volleyball.” 

“South Hants was also my first ever standing volleyball club, so it was really lovely to return to playing with them.” 

Since taking up sitting, Laura has developed an added respect for the skills of those at the top of the sport. 

She has also added new skills to her game that she did not necessarily need previously when playing the standing form of the game. 

“It (sitting) definitely differs from other sports I have played previously,” she said. “The techniques used by each individual player differ based on their abilities and their injuries.  

“The sport is adapted to involve everybody and our coach works with each of us to establish the most effective techniques in each circumstance. 

“I find that after my knee surgeries I lack mobility/flexibility and therefore tend to sit and move differently to other players, but this is fully accommodated in training and gameplay, which I find is true for all players in the sport. 

“I have also found that sitting volleyball sometimes requires more focus and coordination than other sports that I have played. 

“Movements need to be planned in advance, and communication is essential to cover the court effectively and avoid collisions. It’s a demanding, engaging sport and completely different from anything else I’ve played.” 

2025-26 has been Laura’s first full season playing sitting volleyball and she has found it to be a “steep learning curve”.  

However, she has been hugely encouraged she has received from fellow players and coaches while she has gradually found her way. 

She said: “I have been learning to play a new sport, with differing rules to what I am used to in standing volleyball and I have had to adapt my existing skills accordingly. 

“I have also been getting to know my new team – although this has been very easy as they are a friendly and welcoming group. 

“I think that I have a lot more to learn, but I am in a supportive environment that will help me to progress.” 

As someone who was gripped by the sport once she had tried it, Laura would encourage others to give it a go – for a plethora of reasons.  

“Volleyball is inspiring because it’s truly a team sport; everyone has a role, and success comes from working together,” she said. 

“Sitting volleyball shows how inclusive and dynamic the sport can be, and it gives players confidence, connection, and a real sense of achievement. 

“I’d encourage others to play because it’s welcoming, fun, and a great way to challenge yourself while being part of a supportive community.” 

Report and images from the event will be posted on thew website next week.