National Volleyball Championships

As you are aware, this weekend was the National Volleyball final at Kettering, where Leeds GORSE volleyball club had 3 junior teams competing. This alone is a great achievement, but what a weekend, with the squad coming back with 2/3 wins. Absolute incredible efforts from everyone involved. Please see Elaine’s write up below.

Back-to-Back National Champions

This weekend, our U16 girls’ team made history once again, securing the national title and becoming back-to-back national champions! The team dominated their final match against Malory Eagles from London, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-14, 25-19, and 25-14. Led by team captain Krystina Ngatcha (TRGA), who racked up an impressive 15 kills in the final, the team’s energy, physicality and focus were unmatched.

Lauren Thorn (BA) ran the offense brilliantly as the team’s setter, controlling the tempo and distributing the ball with precision. Throughout the weekend, Lauren earned high praise, with many referring to her as the future of England setting; a testament to her outstanding performance under pressure.

Congratulations to the entire squad on an incredible achievement and for bringing the title home once again. We know they will already have their eyes set on the U18s title next year to complete the trilogy.

U18 Girls – Ones to Watch

The U18 girls’ team gave a competitive performance in their final against a strong Boswells side. Although Boswells’ age and experience ultimately secured them the win, our Leeds team impressed everyone with their athleticism and talent. We are especially proud that our U18 squad is made of homegrown players developed through our volleyball programme. Captain of the squad, Daniella Tchandeu (LMaS), says the team are determined to take the title next year.

With the entire U18 squad still young enough to compete again next year, they have quickly become the talk of England. Coaches, commentators, and the England Talent Pathway were all blown away by the athleticism, skill, and potential this group possesses. They are frequently referred to as the most exciting and talented group to ever come through the English volleyball system. Elaine also received several calls and messages after the match from Uni coaches as well as the England Senior Women’s head coach with enquiries about several players.

This is the team to watch!

U18 Boys Secure the Hat-Trick!

The Leeds GORSE boys have set a new record for Leeds, winning three National Cup Finals back to back to back in a stunning display of perseverance, skill, and teamwork. Their latest triumph in the U18 category perfectly ends a season fuelled by resilience, grit, and a relentless drive to succeed.

This victory is especially meaningful, as the starting six included four talented Gorse students: Maks Makowski, Joshua Cosgrove, Ben Sorley (EHC), and Emmanuel Oretoye (TFA), who at just 15 years old, was also named MVP of the U18s final. Their commitment and discipline, both on and off the court, demonstrate the strong mental and physical impact that GORSE has cultivated in them.

Crucially, the journey to this incredible achievement was shaped by the dedication of the wider squad. Essay Mulubrhan (EHC), Ioannis Dimitrakopoulos (EHC), and Abdoul Gimma (EHC) played an invaluable role throughout the season as their contribution in training reflected the depth, unity and spirit of this team.

This exceptional journey was witnessed by Sir John Townsley and Cheryl Rhodes, whose dedication over the years has been instrumental in creating these life-changing opportunities for both athletes and coaches.

The coaching team, Pete Makowski, Elaine Brown, Nelson Murangwa (TGAT) and Scott Cosgrove (TFA), drew strength from the incredible crowd support, helping to inspire the team to achieve their best performance yet.

The winning moment and the celebrations that followed will live in our hearts forever.

Elaine Brown.

 

Indoor Season Wrap

As we reflect on an unforgettable season, we take immense pride in the accomplishments of all our teams. From the back-to-back national champions to the rising young stars, every player has shown what it truly means to embody the heart of a champion. Their hard work, dedication and passion have set the foundation for even greater success in the future.

We are incredibly proud of each athlete, coach, teacher and supporter who has contributed to these remarkable achievements. It does not go unrecognised that the success we see in the volleyball programme is a team effort and without this we would not have made the rapid progress we have. As we look ahead to next season, we are excited to continue this journey as the best is yet to come!

*Good luck to our EHC Women’s and Mixed teams who will be competing at the AOC Cup Finals on Thursday!