The golden sands of Sandbanks, Dorset, recently played host to the highly anticipated 2025 UKBT Club Championships, an event that, despite challenging weather conditions, delivered a spectacle of high-calibre beach volleyball. With over 300 athletes vying for supremacy, the stakes were exceptionally high: not just national bragging rights, but the coveted opportunity to represent England in the upcoming CEV Beach Volley European Cup.
A Gritty Weekend of Volleying Excellence
This year’s Championships truly tested the mettle of every participant. While beach volleyball often conjures images of sun-drenched shores, the reality at Sandbanks was a more robust affair, with competitors battling through persistent wet and windy conditions. A true test of character, perhaps, or simply a reminder that British beach volleyball often comes with its own unique set of atmospheric challenges. Nevertheless, the determination on display was palpable across the 28 elite teams competing in the Championship Divisions, culminating in two fiercely contested finals that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
Women’s Final: Richmond`s Resilient Triumph
The women’s championship final was a captivating best-of-three encounter between Richmond Volleyball Club and Fireball South West. Richmond’s formidable top pair, Keefe and Bullen, kicked off the proceedings with a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Fireball’s Star and Jagielska, clinching the decisive third set with an intense 17-15 scoreline. This early advantage, however, was quickly countered.
Fireball South West responded with compelling force in the second match. The pairing of Tussis and Berstautaite delivered a dominant performance, defeating Richmond’s Fiļa and Kurek in straight sets, thus forcing the ultimate showdown: a golden set decider. Returning to the court for this high-pressure moment, Richmond’s Keefe and Bullen once again showcased their composure and skill, narrowly edging out Fireball’s Tussis and Berstautaite with a 15-13 victory. This triumph sealed the women’s championship title for Richmond, a testament to their unwavering nerve and strategic prowess.
Men’s Final: Fireball`s Internal Blaze
The men’s championship final presented a unique scenario, an all-Fireball affair, pitting their South West team against Fireball North Devon. The opening match saw Gleed and Bello from Fireball South West secure a decisive 2-0 win against North Devon’s Morgan and Pollock, demonstrating their intent early on.
However, North Devon was not to be easily subdued. The duo of Lawson and Soczewka rallied powerfully in the second match, creating a truly dramatic moment with an astonishing 31-29 second-set win over South West’s Dunbavin and Morgan. This epic set pushed the championship into another golden set decider. In a repeat of their earlier dominant form, Gleed and Bello stepped up for Fireball South West, claiming a commanding golden set victory. This win not only secured their club`s back-to-back men’s championship titles but also underscored their consistent excellence in the sport.
“The intensity of these finals, particularly the golden set deciders, truly highlighted the competitive spirit and talent within UK beach volleyball. Every point was fought for, every strategy meticulously executed.”
Onward to the European Stage
The dust has settled on the Sandbanks courts, but the journey for these champions is far from over. As a direct result of their exceptional performances and hard-fought victories, both Richmond Volleyball Club and Fireball South West have earned the prestigious honour of representing England in the third edition of the CEV Beach Volley European Cup. This qualification marks a significant milestone for both clubs and for English beach volleyball as a whole, providing a crucial platform for their athletes to compete against the continent`s best.
The 2025 UKBT Club Championships proved to be a compelling showcase of dedication, skill, and sheer grit. As Richmond and Fireball South West prepare to take on Europe, the entire nation will undoubtedly be cheering them on, eager to see them carry the spirit of British beach volleyball onto the international stage.
Torin Vale 
Gideon Holt