Programme
Kenny Barton
Performance Programme Manager – Full time
Duties: Kenny oversees all aspects of the delivery of the programme from budgetary control to decisions on tournament entries. Kenny makes the decisions which will hopefully see Great Britain represented on the volleyball courts at the London Olympic Games in 2012.
Background: Prior to taking up the post with the BVF, Kenny was Chief Executive Officer of the Scottish Volleyball Association. Volleyball has been a key part of his life. This is not the first time he has come south of the border – he trained as a teacher at St. John’s York and played for Cleveland Anglo-Scots. He went on to captain the Scottish National team and on court was an inspiring leader, in the mould of William Wallace; though the worst fate he suffered was only a red card.
Neil White
Performance Programme Administrator – Full time
Duties: Neil ensures that the programme is efficiently administered and that resources are in place for the team coaches, managers, support staff and players to operate at optimum level.
Background: Neil joined the BVF from Norwich Union where he worked in the Offshoring Team taking back-office work to India. Before that he spent many a summer in his combine harvester at his parent’s farm.
Within volleyball Neil first came to prominence playing for UTS (Sydney) in the Australian Volleyball League whilst back-packing in 2002. On his return to the UK he relocated to Sheffield to play for Sheffield and learn from Keith Trenam. Neil won 6 caps playing for England before retiring shortly after his arrival at the BVF in March 2007.
Stephen Cook
Finance Officer – Part time
Duties: Stephen oversees all matters financial. With the help of Belinda he ensures that the financial procedures are adhered to, that accounts are paid, income received, salaries paid, not forgetting the requirements of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise, with regard to tax and VAT. Stephen also reports to the BVF Board and PMG on the financial position of the Federation.
Background: Stephen also works for the British Handball Association in Sheffield. A keen Cricketer, Stephen spends his summers opening the batting for Norton Oakes CC, and has just started his Cricket coaching qualifications. He's from the blue half of Sheffield.
Media and Communications
This is provided for the benefit of volleyball as a whole in conjunction with Volleyball England, as the press and media do not discriminate between ‘Volleyball’ and the various governing bodies providing the sport in the United Kingdom. This is an essential supporting role, which provides media assistance across all the programmes, and as point of contact for the press.
Mark Pritchard is the Media and Marketing Manager for Volleyball England and will devote some of his efforts to ensuring a high profile for the British programme. The British programme also uses the services of Roddy McKenzie of Final Whistle Media and of other freelance personnel.
Former Members of Staff
Belinda Headlam
Performance Programme Administration Assistant - Full Time (November 2008 - October 2009)
Duties: Belinda ensures that all financial tranactions are processed and prepared for payment. She also shares the programme's administration duties with Neil. The range of work can vary from complex event organisation to more basic matters – finding the nearest launderette for team kit washing..
Background: Originally from Tasmania, Australia, Belinda moved to Sheffield in 2008 and joined the BVF after a stint working with the Sheffield City Council. Before moving to Sheffield, she worked with the Australian Government in Canberra, coordinating the delivery of the government’s employment programs into remote areas of the country.
Although she hasn’t played or been involved in volleyball previously, her interest in all things sport means she’ll be right at home! Belinda grew up playing netball and later also coached and played at Australian National Netball Championships. She now plays for Sheffield Concord Netball Club.
Peter Guernari
Sitting Volleyball Performance Development Manager (December 2007 - March 2009)
Duties: Peter oversees all aspects of the delivery of the Sitting Volleyball programme from budgetary control to decisions on tournament entries. He has also headed an extensive talent identification and player recruitment drive, and spends his time forging relationships with potential partners and sponsors.
Background: An ex-England National Team player and coach, Peter is a former Volleyball Development Officer.