Northumbria Bag BUCS Nomination

Northumbria University men’s volleyball are targeting another top prize in 2018 after a dominant domestic campaign.

Dave Goodchild’s side are one of three teams chasing the BUCS Team of the Year award at next month’s star-studded black tie dinner in Bristol.

And few would bet against Northumbria pipping shortlisted rivals from the University of Stirling (mixed golf) and Cardiff Metropolitan (men’s football).

The Sport Central side scooped the BUCS Championship title earlier this year thanks to a straight-sets win against the University of East London.

And Northumbria lost just once throughout the 2017/18 season when they slipped to a 3-2 defeat at derby rivals Durham way back in November.

Goodchild’s men conceded just five sets in BUCS competition – all to Durham.

But Northumbria won big when it mattered most and built on a legacy of volleyball excellence in a season when the club clinched nine of the 10 major domestic prizes on offer.

Only last weekend England skipper Adam Bradbury and partner Federico Pagliara clinched gold on the beach in the 2018 Trophy final.

And Northumbria’s men added another medal to their season’s haul as Andy Clayton and Alex Ukkelberg bagged a bronze on the Bournemouth sands in the Championship event.

Goodchild is already recruiting next season’s team as he bids to cement his side’s reputation as the foremost volleyball club in Britain.

“This is more recognition – and richly deserved – for a team that continues to set the standard and push the boundaries,” said Northumbria University’s head of Sport, Colin Stromsoy.

“To be nominated for this prestigious BUCS award is fully deserved and I wish Dave and the players the best of luck as they go up against two very strong contenders.”

More than 200 nominations were received from 45 institutions as BUCS whittled down this year’s competitive awards shortlist.

Ten awards will be presented at a dinner held at the conclusion of the annual BUCS Conference on July 12. 

This year’s BUCS Conference and Awards dinner is being held at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol.