Bussey sees huge change during time as Volleyball England Director

During the last four decades, she has seen huge change, but her love for the sport and willingness to see it flourish – the reason she became involved in the first place – remain undiminished. 

“When I first started on the Board after finishing playing, there was no restriction on how long you served – basically you could continue uninterrupted for as long as you were contributing,” said Freda (pictured above right, at Cup Finals Weekend 2023). 

“I had various terms on the Board, but the most recent one, for the last eight years, was when (then CEO) Janet (Inman) asked me to get involved when the organisation was struggling with its finances after the London 2012 Olympics. 

“We initially looked at how we could save on our outgoings, but also how we could generate funds ourselves. As was the case previously, I took it on because I just wanted to see volleyball in this country thrive and do well. 

“As a PE teacher and ex-international player, I felt could help. I felt there was a lot of things I could bring to the table with my knowledge and understanding of the game. 

“It has also helped me, too, in terms of giving me a lot of insight into the sport in terms of where it has come from and where it is going that I can use in my PE role and as a club coach – it's given me a lot back.” 

Freda is particularly proud of the part she has played in restructuring beach volleyball which, she feels, has made it more widely accessible in England. 

She worked closely with fellow Board Director and Birmingham 2022 Legacy Consultant Jake Sheaf to establish the UK Beach Tour (UKBT) that hosts events at various levels across the country throughout the summer months. 

She said: “I’ve been really pleased with the way I’ve been able to help beach volleyball change, moving from a model where a league was run that was only for a few people to one where the UKBT has helped establish a growing beach volleyball community that is for everyone.” 

Not surprisingly, Freda’s most memorable moment came during the 2012 Olympics, where she served as an Athlete Services Manager. 

It was, she says, a “pinch yourself” time in her life that she will never forget. 

“That Olympics was such an adventure,” said Freda. “To help run an event at the Olympics at such as iconic venue Horse Guards Parade was amazing. 

“It does feel a bit surreal when you look back on it. When it actually happens, it feels like it goes so quickly, but they were long days too – 6am until 1am the next day at times. 

“It brought it home that we really were on the world stage when a friend contacted me from America asking what I was doing on TV with the US beach volleyball team!” 

After strong recent progress, Freda (pictured above, as part of the Ashcombe team to win the Knockout Cup Final in 1987 at Crystal Palace) believes Volleyball England has reason to be optimistic in the future, particularly as the finances have been stabilised and the reliance on Sport England funding less significant.  

She said: “We have put volleyball back in a really good financial place. Sport England is wanting us to be self-sufficient and we are gradually moving towards that and hopefully can do it even more in the coming years. 

“Most people don’t realise that Sport England money has to be spent on specific things they want to see, and if we can get to the point where we are generating more and more income ourselves, then, with a bigger percentage of that money, we can decide ourselves exactly what to spend it on. 

“The last two years since the end of the Covid lockdown have been fantastic. It’s great to see so many young and enthusiastic players taking the sport up at clubs and universities. 

“Historically, we have relied heavily on players from abroad – and it’s great that we continue to welcome some very talented players from overseas – but it’s also really pleasing to see so many people born in England now wanting to play as well.” 

Freda’s desire to make an impact in the sport will ensure she remains at the forefront after stepping down from the Board. 

She is delighted to have passed on her love of volleyball to her son and is enjoying watching the progress he has made as player and coach. 

“I’ll still be involved with Volleyball England as a Coach Educator and I love doing those courses,” said Freda. 

“I’m also still running my club Ashcombe where we have NVL and Junior teams, and a particular focus of mine is girls’ development and getting more girls playing. 

“Alongside that, my son plays and coaches in Sheffield having moved up there for university and then stayed there. I’m enjoying seeing how he has developed and I’m obviously thrilled to see he is passionate about the game in the same way I am.”