Foundations there for future success, says departing Board member Francis

She steps down from her role at this weekend’s Annual General Meeting (Saturday 22nd June, 11.30am start) after seven years on the Board, first taking up post in the summer of 2017. 

“I think the future for volleyball in England is bright,” she said. “The Game Plan strategy has lots that can still be delivered upon, but the prioritisation it has given in terms of what can be achieved has been really successful. 

“I feel the future of our sports is in safe hands and I step away comfortable in that knowledge. There has been definite progress in terms of the position of the sport both within England and internationally and I think there is more to come. 

“Things have come on in leaps and bounds in so many areas since I was first appointed and there continues to be a raising of the standards. The foundations are there and I can’t wait to see where the sport goes next.” 

Clare first applied for a Director’s position after it was suggested she might be suitable by an outgoing Volleyball England Board member. 

She feels her time giving back to help drive things forward has reaffirmed how much she loves the sport. 

Clare said: “Things are definitely in a different place, with a lot of time put in to ensuring the correct processes have been put into place. 

“There were difficult times, such as the Covid-19 Pandemic, when we had to pivot, but there is now a lot more confidence in the infrastructure, I feel, to go on and make positive steps forward in terms of the Super League, NVL, international events, junior programme and many other areas.” 

One of Clare’s most memorable moments came two summers ago when she played an important role in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which saw the Bello brothers, Javier and Joaquin, win a historic bronze medal for hosts England. 

Being in her home region, she took great pride from the activation and legacy projects she worked on, and has continued to work on, as part of the overall team. 

“It was an experience I will always remember – it was amazing to see just how many people had a taste of volleyball at that event,” she said. 

“As well as being a fantastic beach volleyball event while it was on, we have since seen enormous legacy benefits to the sport too, with the Moseley Beach Courts and now a new year-round Indoor Beach Volleyball Centre at Birmingham City University (BCU). They will benefit people not just regionally but nationally as well. 

“There have also been other highlights during my time on the Board, including England’s men winning the Novotel Cup for the first time last December and the live streamed Final 4 event, where people, both in person and at home, were enjoying watching the best players in the country. 

“To see people enjoying it and having massive smiles on their faces and knowing that you have helped play in part in making that happen is so rewarding.” 

Clare is planning to continue her involvement in the sport in her voluntary role with West Midlands Club Coventry and Warwick Riga. 

She said: “There is definitely a lot I will miss, particularly being involved in helping to shape the future of the sport and providing leadership, which I have enjoyed. 

“I will still be involved with Riga, of course, and will coach our junior programme, including the U18 girls and boys, and I have also taken on the running of the Inter-Regional Beach team. 

“Although my direct involvement at board level is coming to an end, I will still be around and happy to support Volleyball England in any way I can. 

“I wanted to develop my skills and my Board member role has helped me to do that, helping me develop in my professional career in law too. 

“If I can now help people stay in the sport, and/or learn skills that they can use as they make their way through life, then I will be proud and happy with that.”