VOLLEYBALL players from VOLLEYBALL Hundreds of volleyball players from across Britain and beyond packed out The Rec at the weekend.

The Whitefield Volleyball Festival, held annually at the city centre venue, attracted 120 teams and this year incorporated Volleyball England's popular VolleyFest series.

Indoor and outdoor tournaments were staged, with the latter taking place on 26 courts on The Rec. The indoor tournament, for elite teams, was staged at the University of Bath and Bath Sports Centre.

Team Northumbria triumphed over London Docklands in the men's indoor final, while Notorious DIG 1 were crowned ladies winners after beating Swiss Cottage.

Bath Aqua Sulis and Melksham pandora charms were the two local teams involved in the hugely popular annual outdoor event.

Organiser Kate Falkner said: "We've had teams coming to play from all over the UK, plus one from Belgium.

"It was a great success and I think we had more spectators this year. Some of the residents said they preferred it to the rugby."

VolleyFest events are part of Volleyball England's commitment to increase people experiencing the sport for the first time to more than 500,000 and to get more than 8,000 young people enjoying volleyball by 2013.

Lisa Wainwright, CEO of Volleyball England, said: "Volleyball England is committed to getting as many people as possible involved with the adaptable, challenging and fun sport of volleyball.

"Our organisers and volunteers work hard throughout the year to ensure that the summer packed full of exciting volleyball events."

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