NVL newcomers part 13 – Hull Thunder 2 

Formed: Mid-1990s. 

NVL Coach: Dan Foster. 

Social media handles: @hullthundervc (Instagram), @hullthundervc (Facebook), @Hull ThunderVC (X). 

While Hull Thunder have entered the National League to win, it’s clear that a big part of their club is enjoying what they do. 

Alongside time on the court, both the first and second team – the latter which will join NVL Division 3 North for the coming campaign – have an active social offering that ensures they never take themselves too seriously. 

The Thunder come into the new season on the back of excellent form in the 2024-25 Yorkshire Premier League where they recorded 16 wins, one draw and one loss. 

They will take on the likes of Manchester Liberators, Manchester Marvels Marauders, Liverpool, Manchester Moss Side Jaguars, York Vikings, Intervolley Manchester, Manchester Moss Side Jaguars, Harrogate, Urmston Grammar in a division dominated by teams from the North West. 

“The mum of one of our players lives in Manchester, so we can all stay at her house (for away games),” joked Team Secretary, Assistant Coach, Social Secretary Committee Member and player, Philip Todd. 

“Everyone is really looking forward to the new season in the NVL and we have been training in July and August in preparation for the challenge ahead. 

“Last year the first team played in Division 1, so we were a bit stuck in terms of players making the step up because it was a big jump, but now there is only one division between us this season after the firsts were relegated, which helps with the development. 

“I think we will be hoping for somewhere in mid-table as our final finish in the first season, but we will give it our all, we will go down fighting... as shown a couple of seasons ago when most of our matches went to five sets. 

“It would also be good to get to the National Shield Final – and then beat our firsts to win it!” 

What is now called Hull Thunder was formed in the mid-1990s as Beverley Volleyball Club, when the Hull men’s national league team moved venues to Beverley. 

After moving around over the years, the club finally returned to the city and adopted the name Hull Thunder in 2013. 

During that time the team have made a conscious effort to have fun, as well as win matches. 

Philip added: “We are a very sociable bunch, who also play on the beach, and have played in tournaments overseas, such as the Eindhoven Tournament. 

“It definitely helps with the team bonding that we are quite a social and we are always happy to go for drinks after a game with those opposing clubs that want to. 

“The highlight of our season last season was travelling away to the furthest team (West Riding), winning the league and then the full team going for a curry. 

“We are also going to Benidorm next year for a 40th birthday and we like to think of ourselves as a friendly team who will always make new people welcome.” 

Thunder feel the time is right to enter a second team in the NVL after gradually building up strength in depth across their squads. 

Those numbers are supplemented by an active junior section, where there is an emphasis on developing their own. 

“We have a squad of 18 players to pick from, so, for the first time ever,” we will have some selection headaches,” said Philip. 

“It’s taken a while, but we have now managed to build up the stability we need and people not wanting to leave to help us compete in the local and regional leagues. 

“That is going to massively help us this season as we look to get used to the NVL and the focus we have had on junior development over the past few years will be really important too.” 

2025-26 will see some new additions to the Thunder squad, but they will also be reliant on some faces who have been there from the start. 

Philip said: “We have got two new players in Joe Gore (libero/setter), from Woburn, and Socrates Tiaga (libero), who has played with Wimbledon and Londinium, coming to join for this season.  

“Not only is it great to have them from a playing point of view, but they are also both qualified referees and we have always struggled to get referees in the local area, so it’s a big boost from that point of view too. 

“We will also have people who have been around a long time too. Martin Worsnop will be starting what seems like his 46th season with us... I’m not sure of the exact number of seasons, but he must have one of the lowest VEU member numbers around! 

“He has been with the club when it started out as Hull, then became Beverely and is now back in Hull. I, myself, have also been around since the Beverley days, so hopefully we have some experience to blend with the younger players.”

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