This weekend saw the conclusion of the Bill Stobie Interclub Challenge, a new preseason tournament ran by Bill Stobie, head coach of NUVOC Volleyball club, and valued Scottish Volleyball member. Originally designed as a celebration of his 60th birthday in 2020, the competition was put on hold due to the covid 19 pandemic, but this year saw its eventual introduction to the indoor season.
4 teams took part; NUVOC Volleyball Club, Dundee Volleyball Club, Edinburgh University Volleyball Club and Su Ragazzi Volleyball Club, with both men’s and women’s teams battling it out to get the club the most points. The format saw men’s and women’s teams from the 4 clubs compete in a round robin, with both results combined into one standing, where the club rather than team will lift the trophy. Running alongside a Grade 3 Referees course; every set counted towards club’s points total as teams looked to build confidence (and bragging rights) ahead of the 2022/23 Scottish Volleyball indoor season.
Held in sports halls around the country, the competition was the perfect way to dust off the summer cobwebs and get back into the indoor season. In an exciting finale between Su Ragazzi and Edinburgh University women, Su clinched the trophy with a close 4-0 win.
Conrgatulations to all the teams who took part, and the referees who used this opportunity to improve their refereeing qualification. Here’s to next year!