Board Director Sheaf encouraged by progress as he steps down

And, as he prepares to step down from his role at this year’s AGM to focus on other commitments, he believes the sport has never been in a better place than now. 

Jake represented England in beach volleyball at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia, partnering Chris Gregory. 

He subsequently set up the Deep Dish franchise of volleyball clubs and camps and is also Director of the UK Beach Tour, which runs domestic beach volleyball across the United Kingdom, with regular events in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

He also acted as a Birmingham 2022 Legacy Consultant in the immediate aftermath of those home Commonwealth Games. 

Jake then took up the role of an Elected Director with Volleyball England and has helped oversee further positive change. 

And as someone who has always been at the sharp end of what is happening in volleyball in this country, he leaves his role with things, he believes, in a strong position from which to build still further. 

“I have been involved with the National Federation in one guise or another and I think this is the best place it has been in terms of growth and pushing forward,” said Jake. 

“People can often be quick to forget where things were five or 10 years ago, and it is amazing to see where we are now with where we have come from. 

“This iteration of VE is the most progressive I have seen when you see the international events now being hosted and the development of the Junior side through the Grand Prix. 

“Of course, there is always more that can be done and next steps to take, but it looks to be an exciting future.” 

Due to his expertise in beach volleyball, Jake has played an important part in the continued development in that version of the sport. 

But he feels there have been structural changes for the better in the indoor game too and is proud to have played a part, along with his fellow board members, in enabling that to happen. 

“It’s been great to see the Board as a collective take such a collaborative approach with flexibility in their thinking and approving things that maybe wouldn’t have been approved in the past. 

“They have continued to stick to the collective vision, been forward-thinking and, I think, believed and trusted in the hub staff, knowing that they have the best interests of the sport at heart.” 

While sad to leave his role behind, Jake feels it was the right time to move aside and let others helped to steer Volleyball England’s future direction. 

However, in continuing to work in the sport, he says he will continue to give support and guidance where he can. 

“With lots on work-wise, and now two young children under the age of two, I haven’t been able to give as much input as I would have liked over the past six months,” said Jake. 

“With that in mind, I feel it is unfair to take up a position on the Board that can be taken by someone who can give it the full attention and time that it deserves. 

“It is sad to step away, but, I will still be highly involved in the sport. I will still be working alongside Volleyball England with the UK Beach Tour and Deep Dish – it’s not a definitive goodbye.” 

Volleyball England would like to thank Jake for his commitment and insight during his tenure. 

For more information about the upcoming Volleyball England AGM, click here.