Move to Eagles’ new home is volley good for Panthers

VOLLEYBALL

NEWCASTLE Eagles will not be the only North East sports club to be using the new Newcastle Eagles Basketball Arena in the new year Newcastle Panthers Volleyball Club is also moving in.

Helped by funding from Sport England and club members, the club decided to move from its current venue at Newburn Leisure Centre and to rename itself from Newburn Volleyball Club to the Panthers.

So, after being established since 2005, the club’s first session as Newcastle Panthers at the new venue will be on Tuesday, January 8 - which is open for anyone to come along to.

The move will ensure the club can provide a structure which allows players to progress easily between its age and ability levels, with encouragement to continue playing v in a safe environment.

The move nearer to Newcastle city centre will allow links to develop with the city’s colleges, universities and schools.

The aim is to grow and develop the club and to expand the many ages and nationalities who are already members - at present the Panthers have 20 different nationalities and an age range from 10 to 60.

Sue Sowden, who formed Newburn Volleyball Club with husband Keith, said: “We had been in negotiations with the owners of Newcastle Eagles for the past two years.

“We hope this move will help to raise the profile of volleyball in the city.”

Members of the Panthers will be in attendance at the Eagles’ opening match at their new venue in early January.

Sowden added: “We are an open club and welcome everyone regardless of ability, age, gender or experience, whether you have played volleyball before or wish to try for the first time.”

Anyone interested in taking up the sport or wanting more details should contact the club at newcastlevolleyball.co.uk.