New National Volleyball Centre unveiled in Kettering

VOLLEYBALL England unveiled the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering on Saturday as preparations for London 2012 move up a gear.

The centre, which has been funded by local councils and development agencies as well as Northampton Enterprise Limited, features four volleyball courts, new seating areas and a social and educational area.

The English Institute of Sport in Sheffield currently serves as the base for both the men's and women's Great Britain teams.  The new centre will be an additional training facility in the lead-up to London 2012 as well as being the home of the England squads and the GB sitting volleyball squads.

Volleyball England CEO Lisa Wainwright said:  "We identified our aspiration to establish a National Centre for training and competition to ensure we can provide top quality facilities and services.

"All the partners involved with achieving this project have worked together at great pace and with joint expertise to enable us to open the centre here in Kettering, Northamptonshire.

"I know the centre will provide a fantastic base for our England squads and also the GB Sitting Programme.  I particularly look forward to seeing our major events being hosted in Kettering."