Tynemouth Beach Volleyball Tournament Origins
The Tynemouth Beach Volleyball Tournament was first established in 1991, when Eileen Anderson and Sue Sowden were Volleyball Development Officers for the North East, in a job-share role.
One of the Local Authorities contributing to their post was North Tyneside and part of their remit was to introduce a new event. Hence the Tynemouth Tournament was born.
The first year was a resounding success, so much so that it was to become a regular event and gained coverage in the local press.
The Development Posts ended, North Tyneside Council was re-structured but the event went on gaining National exposure, in the shape of the English Volleyball Association Beach Grand Prix in 1993. This was given coverage on both ITV and BBC.
Due to changes within the English Volleyball Association, the Grand Prix was lost to us but the Tynemouth event itself had gained recognition, attracting many players from Scotland and the Midlands.
Unlike the early years when the top event was run over the whole weekend, we now hold separate competitions; Saturday hosts 2-a-side men, 2-a-side women and 4-a-side junior events. On Sunday, we now have a 4-a-side mixed competition. This format enables players to be involved in both 2-a-side and 4-a-side. We also hold a mixed 2-a-side competition on Sunday, where teams enter on the day and which is run on a knockout basis.
Over the years, we have tried many different formats but the emphasis has always been to host a fun and friendly tournament, and has been a mixture of all level and ability of players. Our aim has always been to give people as much volleyball as possible, hopefully with similar ability opposition.
Sue Sowden is still the main organiser of this event, with assistance on the day from Eileen Anderson - a partnership which has lasted 20 years.
