In recent years, the Jersey Volleyball Association (JVA) has been on a mission to grow the sport of volleyball and make it accessible to the wider community. Entirely run by dedicated volunteers, the club emphasises inclusivity, welcoming players of all skill levels. Central to its vision is a roadmap focused on expanding mixed league participation, developing competitive teams, and establishing representative squads.
As a self-funded organisation, the JVA is actively seeking sponsorship to support its growing initiatives. One of this year’s highlights is hosting the Inter-Island Games between Jersey and Guernsey on the weekend of March 22-23, a testament to the club’s commitment to fostering regional competition and camaraderie.
The JVA has also made a triumphant return to the Hampshire League, with both the men’s and women’s teams entering the competition last year after over a decade’s absence — and clinching league titles in their inaugural seasons. This year, the men’s team have already geared up to play in matches against clubs such as Aldershot Volleyball Club, Polonia Hampshire, and Guernsey back in January. February 16 will see them face University of Southampton 1, Roke Polonia, and Salisbury Men, with final matches on April 6 against Portsmouth United VC1, Southampton Academy, and URBOND.
Similarly, the women’s team is determined to replicate their success. Their schedule kicks off on January 26 against Solent Phoenix, University of Southampton 1, and University of Southampton 2. On March 9, they take on Portsmouth Phoenix, Hits and Giggles, and Roke Ladies. Their April 6 matches include Southampton Academy, Salisbury Ladies, Winchester Ladies, and Guernsey.
With a strong start to the season and an ever-growing passion for the sport, both teams hope to replicate last years’ success in the league. We brought them into the studio, and asked each of them for their favourite parts about playing the sport they love.
The Girls: Left to Right
NUMBER: 6
Benedicte Guinard 35
Outside hitter
Favourite aspect of the sport?
Being part of a community that shares the same passion, growing & improving together.
How did you get into it?
Dad was fond of volleyball, and he pushed my siblings & I to start playing at 9 years old.
NUMBER: 4
Ilona Hutchins 46
Outside hitter
Favourite part of the sport?
I love volleyball because it’s a fast paced game of agility, strategy, never-ending challenge, growth, and most importantly it teaches you teamwork, as everyone in the team has a very key role and is equally important.
How did you get into it?
My volleyball adventure began in primary school, I instantly fell in love with the game and I have never looked back.
NUMBER: 1
Jessica Cadou 18
Middle
Favourite part of the sport?
Constantly improving with like minded individuals and meeting friends for life.
How did you get into it?
Both my parents played/ coached which inspired me to start.
NUMBER: 14
Nyaradzo Marilyn Muzira 30
Middle
Favourite part of the sport?
It is a fast paced game that demands complete focus, quick adjustments and the grace to move on from mistakes with the support of the team. That psychological strength is an amazing life skill.
How did you get into it?
I was invited for volleyball training while in the University gym preparing to go and play basketball.
NUMBER: 2
Beth Bell 26
Libero
Favourite part of the sport?
I have met so many amazing people through this sport, many of whom have become my closest friends. Watching the community grow makes it even more special.
How did you get into it?
I started playing volleyball at university and later joined the local league in the UK, which helped me connect with incredible people and deepen my love for the sport
NUMBER: 5
Izabela Gawlicka 48
Middle/libero
Favourite aspect of the sport?
My heart will be always with Beachvolleyball, as I love sun, beach and outdoor games.
To read the game and defend the hostile hits is my fav part.
How did you get into it?
Started late as adult after watching Olympic Games 2008 in China just decided I want to play beach volleyball … And I still love it.
NUMBER: 11
Andreea Gabriela Gainariu 35
Outside hitter
Favourite aspect of the sport?
Team spirit and the friendships that we create but also the competitive aspect andHow we always come together as a team, building our relationships stronger each time, and knowing that we can’t do anything without each other.
How did you get into it?
My mother used to play and I started playing at 11 years old, had a brilliant but severe coach who pushed me to do better every time
NUMBER: 10
Fiene Roberts 36
Middle
Favourite part of the sport?
Team sport and fun community.
How did you get into it?
Started beach volleyball when I moved to Jersey.
NUMBER: 12
Kaja Jakonowska 22
Setter
Favourite part of the sport?
Playing with friends
How did you get into it?
I grew up watching my dad play/coach and I followed in his footsteps
NUMBER: 15
Tendai Mupundu 40
Middle
Favourite aspect of the sport?
Blocking while in the game and team spirit.
How did you get into it?
Played in high school and since then still playing.
NUMBER: 9
Ania Rowsell 44
Opposite
Favourite part of the sport?
All about volleyball is my favourite . Playing volleyball requires energy, skills, strength, cleverness, fitness but the most important is unity and teamwork. I dare anyone to try and play it solo.
How did you get into it?
I started playing at primary school when I was 9 years old; watching volleyball on the telly a lot gave me a push to carry on!!!
NUMBER: 13
Micaela Camara 36
Outside hitter
Favourite aspect of the sport?
It’s a team sport and everyone in court plays an important role to make the team go forward and achieve good results.
How did you get into it?
I was about 10/11 years old and my neighbour invited me to try volleyball and I did love it and here I’m still doing it.
NUMBER: 3
Nicola Appleton 56
Setter
Favourite aspect of the sport?
Amazing competitive attitudes, whilst, just as importantly, still maintaining a fantastic team spirit within the squad!
How did you get into it?
I was introduced to the sport by my PE teacher many years ago and have loved it ever since!!
NUMBER: 7
Kiera Melville 25
(not pictured)
Setter
Favourite aspect of the sport?
I love volleyball for the flow of the game. There’s no time limit, the duration of play is affected by your ability to keep the ball off the floor. It’s easy to get into as a beginner, but to play at a higher level is an unceasing but welcome challenge. It requires a constant honing of coordination, speed and strength, unbroken focus, and precision. I’ve never had more fun playing a sport.
How did you get into it?
There was no team at my arts university, so I helped found the volleyball society alongside some peers. We all had varying levels of experience playing, but being animation students, we were all fans of _Haikyuu!!_, and wanted a chance to play seriously. I’ve been playing and improving ever since.
The Boys: Left to Right
NUMBER: 6
Jack Messervy: 31
Middle
Favourite part of the sport?
Constant physio / training hard.
How did you get into it?
Beach in jersey.
NUMBER: 4
Riki Spriggs 39
Outside
Favourite part of the sport?
Aggressive pancakes.
How did you get into it?
Salmon diving at the Gunsite.
NUMBER: 23
Edouard Parslow 24
Outside
Favourite part of the sport?
The rallies, teamwork and sense of community.
How did you get into it?
Junior Beach Session.
NUMBER: 3
Chris Milton 42
Middle
How did you get into it?
Team sport.
How did you get into it?
Beach volleyball on honeymoon.
NUMBER: 14
Patryk Lalka 23
Libero
Favourite part of the sport?
Sacrificing everything to not let the ball touch the ground.
How did you get into it?
Playing with my brother in Poland.
NUMBER: 40
Tim Silvester 40
Outside
Favourite part of the sport?
Volleyball emphasizes respect, cooperation, and enjoyment. Whether played recreationally or competitively, it fosters a positive environment of all skill levels.
How did you get into it?
Played for fun on beach, then was asked to come try indoors.
NUMBER: 15
Ciaran Westgate 30
Libero
Favourite part of the sport?
DEFENSE and competitive games.
How did you get into it?
Social Beach league with work in Brighton.
NUMBER: 5
Finn Hollick 17
Outside
Favourite part of the sport?
Hitting.
How did you get into it?
Beach in Jersey.
NUMBER: 8
Chris de Rue 29
Setter
Favourite part of the sport?
Playing within a team.
How did you get into it?
My parents played so I started playing when I was a kid in the junior volleyball team.
NUMBER: 27
Daniel de Andrade 23
Libero
Favourite part of the sport?
Hyping the team up, crazy receives and trash talking.
How did you get into it?
Beach at the gunsite.
NUMBER: 9
Valentin Heuguet: 26
Opposite
Favourite part of the sport?
Tips and aftergame beers.
How did you get into it?
Beach Volley in Guadeloupe.
NUMBER: 7
Jamie Allen 27
Opposite
Favourite part of the sport?
Being part of a team sport and the friendships made.
How did you get into it?
At the gunsite in Jersey.
NUMBER: 3
Jordan Hampton 26
Middle
Favourite part of the sport?
Tipping and Being part of a team.
NUMBER: 2
Dan Beck 22
Middle
Favourite part of the sport?
Hard games with long rallies and ending with a win.
How did you get into it?
Watching haikyu in lockdown then trying the sport at uni.
