Paralympic Games, the site operator was as independent, self-contained Captain of the GB Indoor Volleyball team
not aware of the elite requirements for areas – ensuring that any tracking Maria Bertelli (above) opens the centre
volleyball at the time. Standing volley- maintains a free space above the
ball involves a lot of jumping, diving and court of a maximum height standard and the recommended option
quick movements, whereas the Paralym- • Providing four dry wipe white boards for any facility offering volleyball as per
pic discipline of sitting volleyball requires with gridlines on each court space the NGB’s new technical guidance notes.
players to maintain contact with the floor • Developing and evolving a high-quali- Schelde International part-sponsored
with their buttocks at all times during ty lighting system that the new equipment fit for the centre,
play. These characteristics mean the qual- ensures uniform coverage, which such as posts, nets and referee stands.
ity of flooring is crucial to the welfare of is commensurate with the regular
the player, as inferior flooring can trigger usage of the centre Home advantage
injury and hinder development. • Providing retractable seating to As well as the obvious benefits of hav-
The necessary refurbishment work a standard suitable for large ing a safe environment in which to train,
required to bring the court space to a scale spectator events there is an added competitive benefit of
standard fit for high quality training and • Redecorating the balcony and arena a home advantage for big games.
competition included: area in keeping with the newly refur- During the official opening, Michael
• The repair of the existing wooden bished flooring and curtain Cowland, leisure and cultural services
floor space – replacing damaged sec- manager at Kettering Borough Coun-
tions where necessary – ensuring a cil, said: “This initiative is as much to
surface that is uniform and free from
The partners involved
do with the feel good factor of elite
obstacles, including covers for existing sport as it is about the sport itself. For
divider board fixings where they im-
with the National
residents to know that some of the best
pinge on the playing area
Volleyball Centre worked
players in England are regularly train-
• The re-configuring of the existing ing and competing in their home town
(three-court) space to include:
together at great pace and
raises local aspirations.”
• four volleyball courts to
with joint expertise
Cllr James Hakewill, Leader of Ket-
international specification tering Borough Council, agrees: “By
• one central show court to working with Volleyball England, the
international specification Flooring features Northamptonshire Sports Partnership
• 12 mini volleyball courts, based The floor is a Junckers Clip sports floor and local clubs, there are opportunities
on badminton markings system, based on 22mm solid boards laid for anyone in Kettering to take part in
• six short/sitting volleyball courts as a floating floor with clips on a resilient volleyball. The additional opportunities
• The decommission of existing foam underlay. This is an ‘area elastic’ for local people to engage in the sport
bolt in floor sockets to install type of sports floor with medium shock also meet many of our objectives for im-
permanent sockets, rings and absorbency and elasticity. proving the health and fitness of
covers for sunken posts The floor was laid on an insulated the borough’s residents.“
• Skim sanding the existing wooden screed, containing underfloor heating Lisa Wainwright, chief executive of
flooring to ensure a smooth and pipes. The refurbishment consisted of Volleyball England, was pleased and
even surface that’s flush with sanding the floor to bare wood, sealing encouraged to see one of the NGB’s
permanent fixings it and then applying two coats of lacquer key Excel outcomes being achieved so
• Re-marking the existing floor and new sports markings. quickly. “All the partners involved with
space according to the court configu- The post sockets were installed by achieving this project worked together
ration – ensuring all volleyball line diamond drilling a 10mm oversized hole at great pace and with joint expertise
markings appear continuous and and then using an apoxy grout to fix the and I’m particularly looking forward to
uninterrupted by any other markings sockets. The removable posts were then seeing our major events being hosted
that may be present dropped into the sockets. in the new venue.”
• Re-sealing the wooden surface – When not in use, the socket holes are The project was even mentioned in
ensuring a non-slip finish suitable covered by a flush fitting timber cover Parliament by Kettering’s MP, Philip
for indoor sports provision to match the floor surface, ensuring Hollobone, with the words: “Rugby has
• Installing new divider curtains so that minimum disruption and smooth play. Twickenham, football has eW mbley and
all four courts may be safely operated Sunken posts are now the international now volleyball has Kettering.” ●
Issue 1 2010 © cybertrek 2010 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital 35
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