The announcement to move to one of Sheffield's most prestigious sports venues comes just weeks after two sell out crowds converged on EIS-Sheffield, managed by Sheffield International Venues, for the Prosport National Volleyball Cup Finals. More than 1,000 volleyball fanatics watched the finals and highlights of the event, supported by Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Event Unit, were also screened worldwide on Sky Sports Digital.

 

"On behalf of the whole of Sheffield, I'd like to extend a very warm welcome to the British volleyball squads," said Robert MacDonald, Sheffield City Council's cabinet member for Economic, Regeneration, Culture and Planning. "It's great news for sport in Sheffield that we've attracted another Olympic sport to the city and having the national volleyball squads on our doorstep is a major boost to the city ahead of London 2012."

 

Richard Callicott, Chairman of the British Volleyball Federation, said: "The facilities at EIS-Sheffield are simply superb and are a fitting home to our national volleyball squads. This is a major step in our Olympic preparation plan and by working with UK Sport and Sheffield, volleyball in this country has demonstrated that it can rise to the task of producing Olympians for the world stage."

 

Head of Sport and Director of Olympic and Paralympic Strategy for the City Wayne Coyle, said: "This announcement highlights our ongoing commitment to the Olympic Games in 2012 and our fully fledged support to Team GB. Having the cream of British volleyball based at EIS-Sheffield is another valuable avenue through which we can deliver sporting benefits to Sheffield through the Olympic vision".

 

The England Men's development squad has been based in Sheffield for many years. It has produced several top international players including Ben Pipes who currently plays professionally in Spain. Discussions are currently underway with other governing bodies concerning how the city can help and benefit from the opportunities provided by London 2012.