Jaywick bids to become beach volleyball capital (From Gazette)

Jaywick bids to become beach volleyball capital

3:26pm Monday 2nd August 2010 in Clacton, Frinton & Walton

SPORTS leaders are hoping a Tendring beach could become a volleyball hotspot ranked alongside famous beaches in California, Hawaii and Australia.

There may be grey sky when you look up at Jaywick beach, but there's perfect white sand when you look down, and experts say it offers perfect conditions for the sport.

Alex Porter, Tendring's volleyball development officer, admits that when people think of beach volleyball they think of more exotic climes.

But although the sport is best known in sunny California, he insists the UK has an up-and-coming beach volleyball scene, and Jaywick could be at the centre of it.

He said: “The people of Jaywick have obviously got an exceedingly good beach there and it's a good chance to make good use of it.

“It is one of those sports that can be played anywhere.

“It does not have to be hot, it does not have to be sunny - it can rain a little bit.”

Alex offered free taster sessions at the recent Olympics-inspired Jaylympics. He said youngsters were thrilled to get a chance to play.

“I set a net up and before I had even finished putting the court markings out, I already had eight or nine kids playing," he said.

He is now teaming up with charity Coastnet to offer free beach volleyball coaching sessions this summer, and says if it becomes popular, the resort could be producing future England volleyball champions.

He said: “It would take five or six years for that to happen, but with these facilities and a really good beach, all it takes is some kids with a bit of dedication.”