The beautiful city of Nottingham is set to welcome the best of Europe’s sitting volleyball players later this month as the UK’s first, international tournament, since London 2012, takes place next weekend (19-21 May) at the University of Nottingham.

Described as being “A fast, exciting sport often played by amputees and individuals with limb difference,” this tournament will see the spotlight firmly focussed on the ParaVolley Silver Nations League as nine nations come together in what is a crucial period for GB’s men’s, and women’s teams, who are vying for qualification for the 2024 Paralympics – and there’s Nottinghamshire involvement.

Beeston’s Angela Green, 52, is one of the GB players selected for the tournament; having suffered a back injury back in 2005, Angela now suffers from what is known as, ‘footdrop’ (the general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot….. the front of your foot might drag on the ground when you walk. It isn’t a disease, rather an underlying sign of neurological, muscular, or anatomical problems).

A Community Physiotherapist for the NHS in Nottingham Angela spoke of what selection means, and her delight at being one of the chosen, GB squad, for the upcoming tournament.

“After competing for GB at the 2012 Paralympics, we had our funding cut so keeping the squad together has been hard,” she explained.

“After changing sports for a while and winning two World Championships medals in paracanoe, I re-joined sitting volleyball in 2018 and am now desperate to play my part in getting the team to Paris Paralympics next year.

“I am now 52, and constantly working hard to keep my place in the starting six.

“Sitting volleyball is a great sport and like most sports and keeping active, it is amazing for good mental health.

“I just love the sport and it really does get me up and get me going.

“I am delighted to have been picked for the Silver Nations League and our goal as a team is to try and win the tournament.”

As for her hometown of Nottingham, and the University hosting the tournament, Angela added: “It is just wonderful to have a big Sitting Volleyball competition in my home city.

“I hope people will come down to Nottingham University to watch the exciting action and have a go themselves as part of the taster sessions.”

Members of the public are being invited to come along to the event and give Sitting Volleyball a go as part of taster sessions which will run throughout the weekend.

Organised by British Volleyball, people of any age or fitness, with or without a disability are being encouraged to come and try this inclusive sport and learn the basics through fun drills and exercises.

More information can be found on the British Volleyball website: here.

ParaVolley Silver Nations League takes place at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham from 19-21 May 2023. To find out more visit www.britishvolleyball.org

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @GBVolleyballFed Angela Green will be representing team GB.