Bristol NVL Newcomers

Bristol Volleyball Club's second team have been competing in the South West League finishing third last year, narrowly missing out on the top spot in the last fixture of the season. 

Anita Nonev, club secretary for Bristol was impressed by the teams' spirit and hopes this will continue into the 2024/25 season. “The team demonstrated excellent cohesion, with existing members welcoming new players and adapting well together.”

She went on to say about their keenness for the new season “We are thrilled to join the National League that offers our team opportunities for progression and promotion, as well as the chance to compete against new and challenging opponents.

By entering the NVL Bristol hope it will be a great opportunity to develop younger players who have already showcased their skills in the local league. Bristol’s growing junior programme will hope to support the new team joining the NVL this season while supporting their growth as players.  

Bristol have some ambitious aims for the season with their eyes set on the top three and the possibility of promotion to Division 2 but are focused on making a welcoming and competitive environment for players. 

“Our goal for the season would be to finish top 3 in the league, but our main focus would be to develop and provide more opportunities to adult and junior players, and help them progress through high-level volleyball.”

A couple of players to keep an eye on for the season are one of their middles, Konrad Zaraba and Libero, John Mok.

Anita explained how they are “a leading part of the team, bringing consistency and reliability throughout the season.”

A long-standing institution in Bristol the club was founded in 1986 and has grown to ten senior teams (four men’s, four women’s and two development squads) and four junior teams hoping to grow the next generation of players. 

Bristol do have some NVL pedigree with their ladies' team promoted to the Super League in 2018 and their men last year being promoted to Divison One after a table topping season in Division 2 South just pipping local rivals Exeter Storm by one point. 

Bristol do have a growing junior programme with their U18 boys competing in the Junior Grand Prix Tier 1, winning bronze in the 3rd division.  “they also secured the local league Division 2 title with an impressive 13-1 win-loss record, demonstrating how fast the youth section is developing.”

Anita explained about their support for junior players “We are proud to support junior development hosting both u18 boys and girls teams and running school sessions around Bristol.”

Developing upon their indoor season training sessions Bristol are hosting summer indoor sessions to welcome new players and encourage new players to get involved in the sport.