FANS BRAVE THE WEATHER
THE sun may have been absent but that didn’t stop the fun at the Tynemouth Beach Volleyball Tournament on Saturday.
Fans armed with waterproof jackets and umbrellas descended on Longsands Beach to watch teams of men and women battle it out on the court.
The tournament sees teams from across the region compete over two days, and has previously attracted players from Scotland and the Midlands.
Organiser Sue Sowden said: “It is the 25th Tynemouth Volleyball Tournament and we got a sponsor this year – the Energy Check company.
“We have four pools of men and 12 woman teams. On Sunday we’ve got 34 four-a-side teams, hopefully the weather will be a little bit better.”
The tournament was first established in 1991, when Eileen Anderson and Mrs Sowden were volleyball development officers for the North East,
The organisers said the first event was a resounding success and led to it becoming an annual tournament.
It went on to gain national exposure in the shape of the English Volleyball Association Beach Grand Prix in 1993, which was covered by ITV and BBC.
Following changes to the English Volleyball Association, the grand prix was axed but the tournament continued to be held in Tynemouth.
The event’s website says: “Over the years, we have tried many different formats but the emphasis has always been to host a fun and friendly tournament.
“Our aim has always been to give people as much volleyball as possible, hopefully with similar ability opposition.”