Super way to end campaign
TEAM Northumbria’s volleyball sides wrapped up the regular season by securing their respective Super 8s titles in scintillating style.
Both of coach Dave Goodchild’s squads breezed past their opponents in rampant fashion.
The women secured comfortable victories against Tendring (3-0) and Kent (3-0) and the men dispatched Essex (3-1) and Lynx (3-0).
Ater a weekend which involved plenty of travel for the TN head coach, Goodchild admitted he was delighted with his side’s performances.
He said: “As a group we were really pleased.
“It was a really challenging weekend so we took 13 players per squad and it is a decision I think will really benefit both sides because everyone had a pretty even amount of court time ahead of finals.
“Overall, I am delighted with how we have performed and I am delighted with the Super 8s championships we have won.”
Goodchild was also keen to stress the importance of preparation as one of the primary reasons as to why his sides have maintained such an impressive level of success.
He added: “My philosophy is to create an environment for players to learn, excel and become better in.
“We have individual goals and meetings with all the players so they know what we expect and what they can expect from us.
“One of the most important aspects for our success has been our attention to details.
“We spend hours and hours on the ‘what-if’ scenarios so if something comes up or a player has a question we have left no stone unturned.
“Our mantra is one of being prepared for every possibility so when issues arise we are ready.
“Nothing comes as a shock to this programme, be it sickness or injuries
“Whatever comes at us, we are ready for it.”
Ahead of the Big BUCS Wednesday competition in Nottingham this week, Goodchild admitted he had really enjoyed focusing upon specific aspects of both of his sides’ gameplans this year to improve an already impressive programme.
He said: “The respective sports are played in different ways.
“We have been focusing on different things in our sessions this season.
“For example, the women’s game you have to win the service and passing battle, which has been what we have spent the majority of our time working on.”