Canadian player visit for local school ahead of Beach Pro Tour Futures event in Bridlington

Flamborough Primary School are studying different countries of the world with one class choosing Canada – and have vowed to come along to the tournament tomorrow (Friday) to cheer on players from the North American country.

As a result, class teacher Andy Dean reached out to Volleyball Canada to see if any of the players competing in Bridlington would be willing to visit the school.

Those beach players – Emma Cudmore, Ofure Odigie Luke de Greeff, Tynan Gannett – were only too happy to say ‘yes’ and visited yesterday (24th June) for a fun day that was enjoyed by all.

“We met the staff, who welcomed us in and we did a little presentation about Canada and the differences between Canada and the UK, as well as some things about the country they might not have known,” said Cudmore.

“We told the class a little bit about ourselves, how long we had been playing beach volleyball and we also did a little Q&A with the kids, where the asked some great questions, and gave out some Canadian prizes.

“We had pin badges, stickers, bracelets and then also handed out some Canadian treats for them to try – Maple cookies and authentic Canadian Maple Syrup, which is different to what you get here! They also made us some pancakes as well as Poutine (a traditional Canadian dish), which they researched before we came.

“We later went outside and the kids got to watch us play volleyball and have a go themselves too. They also made a dance up ‘Pancake, Pancake, Sausage, Sausage’ that we all had a go at too, which they all loved.

“Everybody has been very welcoming and to get to go along and meet all the staff and kids was a lovely experience.”

Volleyball England’s Richard Williams has played a key role in helping schools engage with the beach events in Bridlington, with many providing volunteers that are essential to their smooth operation.

He said: “When people come to play at events in Bridlington, we try to make everyone part of the volleyball family wherever they are from, and we’re delighted that Emma, Ofure, Luke and Tynan have been able to meet children in the local community who are supporting the event.

“Who knows, one day their visit might just inspire a pupil from the school to be a future star who can play in the international Bridlington events in the years to come?"

The Beach Pro Tour Futures Bridlington tournament, from Thursday 25th June to Sunday 28th June, is the first-time a world tour event has been staged in the UK.

It is part of a two-week festival of beach volleyball that has been supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Skyball Beach Volleyball Club and has also featured NEVZA Beach England for Senior players from 21st to 23rd June, while the NEVZA Youth Beach Championships follows from 30th June to 2nd July.

You can watch the event for FREE by coming down to Belvedere (South) beach – no ticket required – or if you are further afield you can view the action on Volleyball England’s YouTube Channel.

Listen to Emma and Ofure talk about their visit: