Author: Martin Rees

It was a highly successful week for the 13 Richmond players that were selected to represent England at the NEVZA Youth Beach Championships 2024 at Bridlington Beach, with medals for our players in all age categories. The competition featured strong representation from fellow NEVZA-member countries Norway, Sweden, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, along with teams from Scotland and Ireland.

In the U18 Men’s competition the Richmond pair of Bailey Harsum and Lewis Bunton in their first tournament together remained unbeaten throughout the event and won Gold in the final against the Norwegian pair Smørholm/Stenberg 2:0 (21-19, 21-17). Richmond’s Zak Maghur with partner Luca Robinson came a respectable 5th.

In the U18 Women’s competition it was another Gold medal for Richmond’s Alice Jagielska and partner Molly Quinn. They were able to get revenge for their loss in the pool stages to Norwegian pair Skojld/Våge by winning the final against them in two convincing sets 2:0 (21-14, 21-12). Richmond had 6 players in this category. Anna Szentessy and Tilly Hutton just missed in the bronze medal match against Swedish pair Welander/Källströmer 0:2 (15-21, 19-21), but finished in a very good 4th place.

It was also a great performance and experience for the other Richmond teams Elisa Jarmon and Lottie Levich, who finished 6th and the Olivia Cross with partner Robyn Clifford finished 11th. There are great things to come from these young teams!

In the U20 Men’s competition Richmond’s Peter Soczewka with partner Rob Morgan won Silver, just missing out in the final against Norwegians Kjemperud/Engås 0:2 (17-21, 16-21). George Ruddick with partner Ollie Tuck won silver in a thrilling bronze medal match against fellow England team Brett/Lycett 2:0 (23-21, 21-13).

It was silver in the U20 Women’s competition too for Richmond’s Anja Erminio with partner Maia Darling. Having beaten the Norwegian finalists Fosseli/Sunde in the pool stage, the tables were turned in the final with the Norwegians winning 2:0 (21-13, 21-12). Richmond’s Izzy Hames with partner Charlie Chambers came a respectable 5th.

Congratulations also to our head coach Przemek Soczweka, who was part of the coaching team for the England teams.

Well done to all players – the future looks bright for England and for Richmond with these talented young players!

Photography: Nina Erminio and Jon Cornish

We’re excited to be launching a new Beach Volleyball programme aimed at boys and girls aged 5-10 this April at the Beach Courts at Teddington Sports Centre.

This is a great opportunity for young children to get a first introduction to the exciting sport of volleyball. With fun drills and games the children will learn the fundamentals of beach volleyball as well as general coordination skills and movement on the sand.

Days/Times:

• Free Taster Event: Saturday 6th April at 3-5pm
• Weekly training sessions on Wednesdays 4-5 pm (from 17th April)
• Weekly training sessions on Saturdays 8:30 – 9:30 am (from 20th April)

As an extra incentive, we are able to offer these training sessions for free – all we ask you is to pay the £15 annual Junior Membership fees (not required for the taster event).

Spaces are limited and all sessions require prior registration via our website.

Click here more information and to register for the free taster event and/or the training sessions.

The coaches Francesca and Mike are looking forward to welcoming the children on the sand!

This project is kindly supported through BVDC funding from Volleyball England.