First Beach Volleyball tournament to be held in Poole

Realising that there wasn’t a dedicated, welcoming beach volleyball community on the Poole side, Dora Pope founded Poole Beach Volleyball (PVB) earlier this year.

She said: “I wanted to create somewhere that was friendly, inclusive and open to people who genuinely enjoy playing — where people could turn up, meet others and play with different partners rather than feeling excluded or having to stick to the same groups.”

Dora started a Facebook page and it has now grown to more than 260 local followers, with regular sessions taking place in Poole. There is also a WhatsApp group with about 72 members.

She said: “What started as an idea has grown into a really lovely community, and I’m incredibly proud of what it has become.”

The first Poole Beach Volleyball Scramble Tournament is taking place at Branksome Chine on 6 September from 10am to 5pm.

Dora said: “I’ve been designing our own medals and tournament merchandise, and I’m trying to build PBV into something that feels professional while still keeping the friendly community atmosphere at its heart. We have our own team vest as well.”