Volleyball's invincibles

Team Northumbria’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams are now the UK's national champions after winning their respective BUCS Championship Finals.

The teams have written their way into the BUCS history books in a remarkable unbeaten season in which both teams have won all four leagues at University level before winning the championship.

The women’s first volleyball team beat Durham in the final at Leeds Met Arena by 3-0 before the men’s team also scored 3-0 against Sheffield Hallam.

Dave Goodchild, Northumbria’s Head of Volleyball who is also the Team GB assistant coach said: “We’re the best at BUCS men’s first and second team level and women’s first and second team level. We have won the student cup and we have now won the BUCS Championship men’s and women’s trophies.

“The men’s seconds won their Conference Cup so that’s nine titles at student level this season and that that has never been done before. It’s an absolutely remarkable achievement.”

Northumbria’s Head of Sport, Colin Stromsoy, was delighted with the performance of both teams.

“Both teams are unbeaten and these results have capped an incredible season. They have done the University proud,” he said.

“It was brilliant to see such good team spirit. The men supported the women when they were on court, and vice-versa in the men’s game. That’s what made it very special from Northumbria’s perspective. It was an outstanding example of performing with the right attitude.”