Two of our Year 13 students, Cayde Keates and Kieran Carstens, are making waves in the national volleyball scene and beyond. Cayde and Kieran were selected for the England U19 Men’s squad to participate in the prestigious NEVZA Championships, held from October 24-28 in the Faroe Islands. The annual tournament, organised by the North European Volleyball Zonal Association, featured teams from Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands. After intense competition, the England U19 team clinched the bronze medal—a historic win, marking England’s first U19 men’s medal in the NEVZA Championships in nearly 20 years.

Cayde and Kieran’s hard work, skill, and determination have clearly paid off, with both young athletes solidifying their roles as key players for England’s U19 team. Their success adds to their already impressive volleyball careers, and this achievement highlights their bright futures within the sport.

Both athletes are dedicated players and are both part of the Volleyball England Talent Pathway, as well as playing in the Men’s National Volleyball League for Northampton VC and Newcastle Staffs VC respectively. They both also play in the Volleyball England 2024/25 Super Series Grand Prix for the Newcastle Staffs U18 Mens team.