A VOLLEYBALL club in Dorset have been promoted into the top tier of the sport for women in England.

Wessex Volleyball sealed their spot at the top table by winning Division One of the National League, with 16 victories from their 18 matches, four points clear of nearest challengers Stockport.

Now they will be competing alongside the best the country has to offer, including teams from London, Durham, Nottingham and Leeds.

Wessex was set up by Geoff and Lynn Allen in 1976, with the club working their way up the divisions ever since.

Reaching the Super League for 2024-25 makes Wessex Dorset’s top ranked women’s team, having fought their way up from Division Three South under coach Wayne Tinsley-Veale.

Club chairman Dave Gunter then took the reins this year, sealing promotion from Division One.

Gunter said: “To have a team in the Women's Super League again is a fantastic achievement by the squad and for the club.

“It was an experienced squad of very good players, but what stood out was the exceptional team ethic and culture, to which everyone contributed.”

The club have a proven track record, winning 40 national junior cup titles and two senior cups.

Wessex have also provided Olympians and a host of Great Britain and England internationals, both in beach and indoor volleyball.

The beach team train at Sandbanks, with the indoor team using facilities at LeAF Academy in Bournemouth.

The women’s team are actively seeking sponsors ahead of their return to the Super League.

For more information, contact natasha.chedgy@gmail.com