20th Jan 2012 - Carluke volleyball team scores sponsorship from UKSE

A local youth volleyball team from Carluke has netted a new strip deal thanks to sponsorship from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), the Tata Steel Subsidiary tasked with economic regeneration.

UKSE signed the £1000 deal with Team Lanarkshire Volleyball Club after being approached by head coach Greg Coburn – a former Rangers goalkeeping coach and member of the Scottish volleyball national squad.

Around 50 boys and girls from local schools hit the court with Team Lanarkshire every week. Formed in September 2010, a number of players represented Team Lanarkshire in last year’s hugely successful International Children’s Games where they enjoyed remarkable success.

The club provides young people in the area the opportunity to learn and improve volleyball skills, engage with their local community and encourages a healthy lifestyle – helping tackle the issue of childhood obesity in Scotland. 

The much-needed sponsorship has been used to purchase new club tracksuits for the entire team.

Several of the club’s players have progressed to national level and a number have graduated to senior teams. Notably, former players Andrew MacGregor and Emma Clarkston, now both at university have gone on to star for Su Ragazzi - one of Scotland’s premier volleyball clubs.

The club’s most recent success story is 13 year-old Conor Walker who was selected to represent Scotland under 17’s at the United Kingdom School Games. He is the youngest player ever selected for the volleyball event.

Anne Clyde, area manager of UKSE, said: “Team Lanarkshire Volleyball Club plays a significant role in the Lanarkshire community, offering children a fun and healthy way to spend their free time.

“We are pleased to support such a worthwhile project which teaches the value of teamwork and encourages the children to work hard for and take pride in their achievements. We wish them every success this season.”

Greg Coburn, head coach of the team, said: “As all our finances are self-generated we are dependent on fundraising and the money from UKSE has provided us with a real boost.

“The boys and girls train extremely hard but at the same time really enjoy themselves and this funding guarantees a future for their club. The team are thrilled with their new clothing and can’t wait to show them off.”