Newly-formed GB team 'proud' of performances in Over 55 tournament in Spain

Taking on teams with far more experience, they put is some battling performances, eventually finishing 14th out of the 16th participating nations – giving them a thirst to do even better in the future. 

First up, the GB side took on an experienced Swiss team in their first match of Pool 4 narrowly losing 25-20, and 25-24 in a sudden death second set. 

“The Swiss were great to play against,” said player-coach Bill Stobie. “On another day we'd have beaten them. And, considering it was our first competitive match, we acquitted ourselves well. 

"We didn't really know how we'd match up against sides who had played together many times.” 

The second game was a tough one against the eventual winners, Germany,who were full of ex-Olympians and professional players. 

Even so, GB took 17 points off them in the first set. 

“Stuffing a spike down the shirt fronts of six-feet-plus German blockers was a career highlight,” said outside hitter, Steve Kay, 62. 

“I train with lads at Sheffield young enough to be my grand-kids. What a buzz to play with my own generation.” 

GB missed out again in another very close one against Slovenia – 25-17 and another sudden death to 25. 

But their total points tally was good enough to earn them a play-off against Hungary for 13th spot, where they competed well but lost 25-18, 25-17, despite coming back from 7-0 down in the final set. 

Stobie added: “Finishing 14th out of 16 was a good result considering this was our first tournament, and we had not played together competitively before. Next time we come together we will be better.” 

The team will be entering for the next tournament in Prague in June 2027, with additional sponsors and partners welcome to join shirt sponsors, Haggards Crowther.

Kay, who has played competitive volleyball for nearly 50 years, said: "I'd like to think we are sending out positive messages that age does not necessarily mean you have to stop doing the things you love. 

There's a bit of luck, but also hard work put in by all these players. Volleyball is such a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy, it would be great to partner with others who share that vision." 

For more information on the team, or if you are interested in sponsoring them, please email stevekay1889@gmail.com.