Nick Shaffery - School and Junior Volleyball at heart, through and through

Nick Shaffery - Long term advocate for junior and schools volleyball, delivery lead for young people and all round outstanding ambassador for junior and schools volleyball.

How were you first introduced to Volleyball?

I started volleyball when I was in Yr9, or as it was called then 3rd Year, at Ounsdale School. We had basketball in our PE lesson and after one of the lessons our PE Teacher, Dick Wall, asked a few of us if we'd like to try volleyball during lunch time. We all thought he meant basketball and were surprised when we went in the gym (no such invention as a sportshall back then) and there was a net across the court. Anyway, we gave it a go mixing in with a few staff members and that was it, we were hooked. From what I remember we played every lunch time and as we got better and more serious we even changed into PE kit instead of school uniform to play! The staff were great and another member of the PE Department, who was also introduced to the game at the same time as us, decided this was the game for him. Graham Perrins had played hockey and was passionate about cross-country, and yes we did cross-country as well, but volleyball completely took over his life. Graham took us from a group of lads who liked volleyball to a team who produced lots of England players, won a fair few national titles and travelled to Poland, Germany, Holland and Belgium to compete. They were brilliant times. For the very old viewers amongst you you will remember the Tachikara Tournaments played over four days at five venues and organised by Graham. Teams from Kuwait, Sweden, Holland, Poland, Germany, Scotland and all parts of England were involved. I've seen a few volleyball matches over the years but none will ever compete in terms of atmosphere, intensity, heat and noise of Tachikara's Senior Men's matches played in Ounsdale's new sportshall at 1am in the morning! That is what we all aspired to do. Hardly surprising that I'm still as involved as ever in this game. 

Things have come full circle as Dick Wall's son, Rob, now coaches with me at Tettenhall Tigers and is the inspiration to the lads who now also have volleyball as a big part of their lives.

What was the most difficult skill to master on court?

Personally I think the dig/forearm pass/underhand pass is the one that proves to be the most challenging. Working with Gillian, Bertrand and a whole host of others we are close to completing the new Volley2’s for primary aged children. This progresses from catch and throw with the dig being introduced at Volley2’s Green (stage 3) acknowledging that it takes time to master. 

However it is very much an individual question as at the moment I coach two U11’s who are more competent at digging than anything else. The secret is to focus on moving, ball flight judgement and contacting the ball in various positions and heights.

What makes you most proud of our Volleyball Family?

I think as a sport we are a group who work well together and appreciate each other’s contributions. We are a small sport, which has its drawbacks, but it is great that a lot of people know a lot of people up and down the country with great friendships made on and off the court. 

I also like that volleyball is the link for young people who move onto university and quickly form friendships with players they have competed against in junior competitions.

What was your greatest Volleyball achievement?

I'm not sure if this is an achievement but the thing that makes me proud is seeing the young people I have coached still playing and growing volleyball. There are a group of students I taught at Bishop Milner School who were, and are, the nicest bunch of young people you could meet. They set up their own club, along with other players from the area, Wombourne. It is fantastic to see the time, energy and passion they have put into their club and how many others are now playing because of them. 

I am also proud that Tettenhall Tigers celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and we calculated over 500 youngsters have played for our club over that time which we think is quite an achievement

It is great to see and meet all who have been involved over the years and even if they don't play anymore still hold precious their days of playing volleyball.

What are you missing most during the lockdown?

Seeing and meeting family, friends and all involved in volleyball. Thank goodness for Facetime and phone calls but its not the same. These are very strange, worrying and sad times but hopefully there are the people out there who can find a solution.

What are you looking forward to most once the lockdown is over?

Hugs with the family and high 5s with everyone in the volleyball world!

Thanks Nick - even though we are not able to play I know you and the working group are developing some innovative and exciting resources to get more young people involved in the sport we all love.