Determined duo to aim for triple crown
Their success in the sport continues to spike and the talent of Kinross volleyball players shows no sign of slowing down.
Determined pair Mitchell Brown and Mark Cathro can already reflect on two title wins this season - and the treble is still well and truly on.
The former Kinross High students have been turning out for prestigious and ever-improving capital club City of Edinburgh.
Already banked in recent weeks have been Scottish Volleyball’s Premier Division trophy and a John Syer Grand Prix final triumph.
The club’s Scottish Cup journey is also continuing with a semi-final fixture penned in the diary for this weekend.
Mitchell (21) said: “The season overall so far has been a great success due to the close bond between players, the shared determination and the hard work.
“I feel the key to our success took place before the season started in pre-season. We started training before any other team, giving us an advantage straight from the start.
“Winning trophies means everything to the club and, from an individual basis, it’s something which goes down in history.
“It makes you very proud to have contributed towards and been part of it. It definitely makes the early rises and late starts worthwhile.
“Winning the treble has been our aim since the start of the season.
“And knowing that the chance is still there after picking up two out of three already is making us incredibly determined.
“The treble is something which has never been done before and something we are focused to be the first to achieve.
“This achievement would be something that can never be taken away from us and will be a huge statement made, owning the top titles in Scottish volleyball for seasons to come.”
Both Mitchell and Mark were introduced to the sport at boys’ brigade level before moving on to league action in Perth.
Their rise to the top has been meteoric, requiring endless hours of hard work and dedication.
“It all started approximately 10 years ago in the boys brigade where our squad leader David Munro invited us to a recreational league in Perth,” Mitchell continued.
“I instantly fell in love with the sport. David was my coach through all my early years and I can’t thank him enough for his dedication.
“From there I was picked up by City of Edinburgh in the youth academy where coach Ian Brownlee continued to develop me.
“I worked up to captain of the men’s two and under-18 teams, then was soon introduced to international level in 2014.
“I progressed into the men’s one and breaking into the Scotland squad under the leadership of Ally Jack.
“Throughout all of my coaches I have seen a large amount of improvement to get where I am now.”
When the indoor season does reach a conclusion, it does not mean downing tools.
Mitchell said: “When the indoor season comes to an end, the outdoor beach season is starting for the summer.
“I aim to continue to compete in European competition on the beach. This is a great chance to visit different countries and improve my performances.
“Being an athlete, a regular gym routine is key for improvement which will continue for the months to come before the indoor season starts all over again.
“I aim to keep improving and want to secure a place in the starting Scotland team.”