Over the past three years the GB team has trained together in a full-time centre-based programme in Sheffield, the home of British volleyball.  As host nation, the GB team has a guaranteed place in the London 2012 Olympics.  However, in order to perform credibly against the best teams in the world the team needs to invest in high level international competitions.

Joanne commented ‘We want to be respected as a volleyball nation, be proud of our performance, and create a volleyball legacy that will last long after the Olympics. The summer training programme is vital for our performance in 2012 so we can achieve our goals and perform with pride and credibility. The team really needs to play as many international matches against top quality opposition as possible.”

In an effort to raise funding themselves (after funding has been reduced by UK Sport) the GB team has launched a Money for Matches fundraising strategy. The aim is to raise enough money to enable the team to play as many matches as possible in preparation for London 2012. The first event is a sponsored bicycle ride by the whole team from Sheffield to London called Cycle 250.

The event will incorporate six to eight city centre ‘hit spots’ en route, with each hosting a changeover event with entertainment, celebrity cyclists and a ‘come and try it’ volleyball event.

Joanne commented, “Cycle 250 symbolises the team’s journey over the last three years and going forward to London 2012. It demonstrates the lengths we will go to together to reach our dream of putting in an Olympic performance to be proud of.”