News

BRITISH VOLLEYBALL APPOINT ASSISTANT COACHES

2007-09-21

19th September 2007

British Volleyball has announced the appointment of Joel Banks and Audrey Cooper as the Assistant Coaches for the men’s and women’s Volleyball Programmes.

Joel Banks, pictured, has been appointed as the Assistant Coach to Harry Brokking with the Men’s Volleyball programme. A former Sheffield full-time programme athlete himself, Banks will be Assistant Coach and also Trainer with the squad during their season in Holland.

“I’m very pleased, it’s a position that I really wanted” Banks said, “It’s an excellent opportunity to work with someone with Harry’s experience and capabilities but also to be involved with the GB programme” he added.

With sights for the squad set on moving to Holland next week, (26th September) Banks said there’s an air of anticipation in the camp.

“The hard work they’ve put in here at the EIS with power training and volleyball in a professional atmosphere, their trips to Poland, Tunisia and Egypt, has prepared them very well. I finished playing about five years ago and I can appreciate their burning desire to get out there and get stuck into weekly competition,”

Audrey Cooper, one of Britain’s only Volleyball Olympians, competing with Amanda Glover at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games in Beach Volleyball, was announced as Assisting Head Coach Dr Lorne Sawula as well as Athlete Support Officer for the Women’s Programme.

“I’m absolutely delighted” said Cooper, who had already proved her credentials as interim programme manager for the Beach programme, “I’m really looking forward to getting started as the clock is ticking” she added.

“We’ve got a good squad, with a mixture of experience and younger players. They’ve all shown professional attitudes and commitment with the move to the full time programme and we’re excited about taking things forward”

The Women’s Programme will begin full time training next week in Sheffield, following a successful summer of training and competition.