Men's Coach, Stephen Payne, promises a high, controlled build up as the BVI men look to progress in the FIVB World Qualifiers this week at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex. Photo: Charlie Jackson/ VINO

Willis Potter coaches the Women's team and also has plans to develop the game within the Territory by creating a junior national team from within the High Schools.

At just 15, Sharonda Pickering is a future star in the making and has already been compared to Danielle Selkridge, but with more talent age for age. Photo: Charlie Jackson/VINO

The men’s squad is made up of Neville Brathwaite, Norville Brathwaite, Nevin Brathwaite, Travis Jack, Damien Creque, Drexell Glasgow, Frandy Martin, Andre Brathwaite, Louis Callwood, and Canice Marquise.

The women’s comprise of Tyalia Nibbs, Patricia Romney, Lynell Gumbs, Amadona Creese, Deborah Dagou, Tamisha Georges, Sabinah Clement, Jackie Weekes, Henrietta Alexander and Sharonda Pickering.

Head Coaches of the Men’s and Women’s squads, Stephen Payne and Willis Potter, took time out from one of their final practice sessions to talk about how the build up to the tournament was going and also how the squads looked ahead of Thursday’s opening matches. Payne said he was happy with the 3 to 4 weeks preparation that his squad had been through and that he had seen much improvement with not only attendance but also fitness

“This year we have taken a different approach to the buildup,” he said, “we have utilized the track, combining fitness drills with playing skills and the team has grasped the ideas with both hands.”

The team has accepted what has been brought to the table,” he added. “And will play a much better game”.

Payne has been working on some new tactics with his team including a slower, higher buildup. “We will be looking for high passes, high sets and then the Kill,” he stated.

It has been a while since the men appeared in a competition at this level so will have to fly by the seat of their pants in terms of tactics.

“We have our plans,” commented Payne. “But will also take each game as it comes, be flexible and make sure we watch the other teams to learn from them.”

The men’s group includes and with the top three progressing to round 2 Payne and the team will have its work cut out and will need to learn quickly.

“Montserrat and US will be pretty close,” noted Payne. “St Kitts have historically given us problems as they have a number of college players, but we are confidant of making it through.”

The team is looking forward to representing the territory and in the words of Payne “wants to see the ball flying in the BVI and move onto the other rounds."

One of the biggest problems facing Willis Potter with his squad is an injury to Weekes, but she is determined to play through the pain if needs be.As Potter explained, “the girls have been doing well, the sessions have been more intense than they are used to. They have learnt quickly and are ready.”

“We are looking for a constant approach to both offense and defense. We will play a high intensity game and look to execute consistently,” he confirmed. He also admitted that the team is going into the unknown, but with the help of the trainer Di Fulvio have achieved a good balance in the squad and will do well.

“We have seasoned players with great skills and understanding of the game like Romney, Gumbs and Dagou,” he said. “Once they combine with the others and play as well as I know they can then we should reach round 2.”

“Pickering is just 15 years old and once she can gain in confidence and get stronger she will be a very good player,” said Potter. “Comparatively she is better at this age than Danielle Selkridge was, so we have high hopes for her and Henrietta Alexander is looking like a seasoned player too."

Potter added an element of athleticism that we have never had before. If she plays at a high level then the rest of the teams better look out. "All games in the Tournament will take place in the Multi Purpose Sports Complex starting from Thursday and running through until Sunday."