NVL Newcomers 26-27 part two - Nuneaton Flames

Formed: 1994

Social media handles: @nuneatonvolley (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube)

Website: nuneatonvolley.co.uk

This team has seen steady growth since the club's founding in 1994 as a recreational session. There was swift growth, with there soon being one mens team and one womens team. Up until COVID, membership growth was steady, expanding to having two-three adult teams, a good number of juniors each week, and a mens team in the NVL in 2015. Harnessing the COVID break to their advantage, the club created development plans which have boosted growth considerably, going from having 60 to 300+ members, three womens teams and three mens teams, a growing junior section, competing in U18 nationals and starting sitting sessions. 

This dedication to the club development can be seen by the improvement in the squads, including Nuneaton Flames' promotion to NVL.

Following a fighthing season playing in West Midlands Division 1, the ladies in Flames did enough to earn a promotion into the NVL.

It was a competitive season for the division with many strong teams competing. Each of the teams that finished in the top three had players who played in Division 2 of the NVL.

Flames finished fifth of eight teams and proved that they were a force to be reckoned with. They were strong throughout the season, being the only team who finished outside the top three to consistently take sets off the top three teams. 

A memorable match the team noted was their final game in the season where they played Birmingham City. This exciting game went to five sets, after Nuneaton Flames had an impressive come back, from being four match points down in the fourth set, to six points up in the fifth set, and clinching the win. 

Nick Mullen, the Coach of Nuneaton Flames said he saw "development of the team and personal skills throughout the season", which has helped prepare them for the NVL. 

Alongside the development of these qualities contributing to the teams readiness for the NVL, the drive and passion to challenge themselves further led to this leap.

When asked about their motivation to join the NVL, Flames said it was to "access a higher level of competition", where they would be "playing against similarly competitive teams".

Nuneaton Flames have a clear vision of what they want to demonstrate this season. 

"We want to come to the league showing everyone what it means to be a Flames player, not only with good quality volleyball but great sportswomanship, support for our teammates and respect for the game and officials."

Flames are keen to show what they can do on the court and are excited for the new challenges that playing in the NVL will bring. Mullen said the team are most looking forward to playing against new teams and the constant challenge this league will bring.

Flames are also looking forward to continuing their fighting nature in the sport of volleyball saying they are looking forward to "fighting for every point". 

Success this season will require the team working together. One player who will help contribute to the team is Flames' universal, Jana. Jana's coach Mullen describes her as a great athlete who "will play any position needed to support the team the best she can". 

"She is a massive supporter of the whole team and truly shows what it means to be a Nuneaton Flames player".

Other key players this season are the Flames' liberos, Karina and Alex.

"They work together brilliantly to support the team, both with amazing defensive skills, tagging in and out at just the right moments without our coach needing to get involved".

"They can read the game and always seem to be in the right position".

Aside from their NVL hopes, Nuneaton has other development goals and activites they are involved in.

They are working on their adult and junior development pathways, from beginner sessions, to regional teams and NVL. Through offering a range of levels the club offers both an inclusive environment and a route of development. 

They are also developing their sitting volleyball options, with offering their first few sessions, hoping to grow these in the future.

Nuneaton Flames will start their NVL season on the 11th of October, where they will face fellow NVL newcomers, Northampton 2s and Cambridge 3s.

Follow how the team does, along with all other NVL updates here: NVL.