NVL Newcomers 26-27 part nine - Everton Manatees

Club Founded: 2020

Social Media: @evertonvolleyball_uk (Instagram), Everton Volleyball Club (Facebook)

Website: https://evertonvolleyball.co.uk/

Head Coach: Prakash Birdja

The Manatees are landing, alongside Legends Oldham, into the NVL for the first time - but Everton’s presence in the NVL is already pre-existing.

The Manatees will join their fellow marine mammals in the Narwhals (Women’s Division 3), the Dugongs (Men’s Division 2) and the Belugas (Women’s Division 1) to expand Everton’s presence in the league.

Billed as a developmental team in the wider squad, the aim of the Manatees is to provide a clear pathway to their higher level teams in the Belugas and Dugongs. 

What started with a single women’s team 6 years ago has now expanded into a multi-squad collective designed to grow the presence of volleyball in Everton.

Along with the two men’s and women’s teams playing in the NVL, Everton also field the Seahorses, competing in the regional Merseyside Volleyball League - the same league the Manatees competed in last season.

The Manatees finished 3rd overall, but the points show they came nail-bitingly close to title victory - finishing just 1 point behind Isle of Man Falcons and 3 points behind eventual champions Mersey Royals.

Their performance in the regional league is what prompted their jump to the national stage, as head coach Prakash Birdja looks to hone their skills against tougher mettle.

“Joining the NVL was a multi-year ambition. We want to grow the club and provide opportunities for younger players from local U18 clubs to play at NVL level and develop.” said Prakash.

The Manatees arrive with some clear talents in their lineup - Sam Jury is a U18 player at 2 meters tall, and Everton are “excited to develop and help shape into a national level player.”.

Their setter, Dylan Cabije, has worked with local clubs for quite some time, and the club are eagerly watching to see his performance in the NVL as they eye him up for the Dugongs.

Outside of the NVL, Everton are also familiar with swapping the indoor 6v6 game for its’ sandy 2v2 counterpart, as they host the only UK Beach Tour tournaments in the North West, as well as working with Frodsham and Urmston U18 teams closely on player development for both indoor and beach.

The Manatees will shore up to face Harrogate and Liverpool in Division 3 North to kickstart their NVL campaign on 4th October 2026. 

You can keep up to date with the NVL here.