University of Dundee will play host to the SVL Premier Play-offs Quarter-final between NUVOC and Dundee VC on Saturday morning. With the game taking on added significance for many players.
Although a home game for NUVOC, with over half the squad made up of DUVC alumni, the ISE will feel like home for them.
The match with form part of Dundee University Volleyball Club’s triennial Alumni Weekend. This year will see the 5th time it has been held since its inception in 2010, with over 120 individuals attending and alumni travelling in from as far as Austria, Switzerland, Brazil and Canada.
Across both Dundee VC and NUVOC playing squads, there is an impressive 9 DUVC alumni represented, including 6 former Men’s captains and 2 former club presidents.
Saturday’s game will see Dundee and NUVOC fight for a place in SVL Premier semi-finals, and guarantee a first top 4 finish in the Men’s top division since 2008 for Dundee and a highest finish ever in NUVOC’s history.
At the end of the game, alumni players from both sides join to compete together in a triangular tournament involving the Current DUVC men’s team and 2 Alumni teams in the afternoon following by the dinner and a ceilidh in the evening.
Current NUVOC player Graeme Spowart, who is also a former Dundee VC player and DUVC men’s captain, shared his excitement surrounding the game, ‘It’s going to be a very special occasion. The game itself will be exciting with so much riding on it – but to be able to play the game at Dundee University, celebrate the links both clubs have with DUVC and perform in front of your old University teammates who will be watching will be extra special. It will be such a brilliant way to kick-off what is always a very memorable weekend. Thank you to DUVC and ISE for being able to facilitate and celebrate this unique opportunity.’
Former DUVC Club president and current NUVOC team captain, Sean Platts Stobie said ‘It’s going to be a brilliant experience playing back in Dundee at the ISE alongside and against former DUVC teammates. Playing at the ISE would make winning to secure a best ever finish for NUVOC extra special since Dundee University played such an important part in my development. We’re really hoping for a great atmosphere and loads of support from everyone who is in Dundee for the DUVC Alumni Weekend.’
