'Castle's MVP for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 Richard Guest is planning a return to the club for a third spell. Guest was first with 'Castle after graduating through our junior teams, and returned for two seasons in the mid-noughties where he became 'Mr Reliable' for the team.

Richard has been out of Volleyball since suffering a seriously broken finger whilst playing for Manchester in 2008 but his return to action should add further steel to 'Castle's battle to make it into the new 'Super 8' division for the 2010-11 season.

It has been revealed that 'Castle's Sam Shenton, was awarded the title of England's MVP at the NEVZA (Northern European) Championships in Denmark in December.

This is a great achievement for Sam, a member of the National under 16 Champion team in 2009, who has put tremendous work into developing his performances on court over the last 12 months and has excelled since his inclusion in England Cadet squads. Sam now trains 3 x each week and is reaping the benefits!

NSVC is pleased to confirm that the second Family Fours event will take place on Sunday 3rd January at Madeley High School from 3pm-5pm. If you only have 3 players you are very welcome to play anyway!

Confirm entries with Ant Viggars asap on anthonyviggars@ntlworld.com

Congratulations to the under 18 girls and the under 16 boys 'B' teams who this weekend progressed into the 2nd round of the National Junior Championships.

The girls, playing without three of their starting 6 came through with a 3-0 win over Wirral and a 3-1 defeat to an excellent Redhill team and go into the 'group of death' in the second round, with Redhill, wessex and Wiltshire Mavericks - all 4 of whom were at last year's top 8s!

The details for the 30th Anniversary Dinner for Newcastle (Staffs) VC have been confirmed. The date of Friday 7th May 2010 has been known for a long time, but we now know that the night will begin at 7pm at Keele Hall and will feature a gala dinner, guest speaker and awards, followed by a disco with the night ending at 1am.

In early October Newcastle (Staffs) Volleyball Club was confirmed as having achieved Volley 2 accreidtation, four years after completing Volley 1. This is a significant step for the Staffordshire club as it approaches its 30th anniversary in 2010, "We knew we had the credentials in place, it was a matter of pulling it all together. We are delighted to have achieved Volley 2 in what has been a fantastic 12 months for the club both on and off the court," said club chair Colin Roberts.

And what a 12 months it has been for the club:
- 2nd place in the Volleyball England Club of the Year

Three 'Castle players have been selected for the England under 19 (Junior) squad to go to Denmark to play in the NEVZA (Northern European) Championships later this month. Roman Neveykin, Rashad Ali and Roo Scott will all play for 'Castle this weekend against Bristol before flying out to Denmark early Monday morning and playing matches Tuesday - Thursday. For Roo and Rashad this presents their first opportunity to secure full Junir International caps.

Good luck lads!

This weekend The Sentinel ran a full page spread on the recent successes of NSVC and the role that our young players have had in this success. To read the article in full and see the photos, go to:

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Volleyball-Newcastle-hail-teen...

Today, Sunday 27th September Men 2 took on an 8 hour round trip to Dartford in the first round of the National Cup. The prize for the victors would be a 2nd round tie versus Division 1 side.... Newcastle (Staffs) 1! In an exciting development for North Staffs Volleyball 'Castle 2 won 3-1, with an 8 man squad aged 14, 15, 15, 16, 16, 17, 19, and 28... a fantastic result!

Well done lads and roll on Castle 2 v Castle 1!

With a new look team following a number of retirements, departures to uni and injuries to key playears CJ and Meg the ladies slipped to an opening match defeat again Telford. Congratulations to Bron Cutler, Lucy Preston and Zoe Rogers who all made their debuts at the age of just 16!