Pathway to an elite volleyball experience

   At Tresham Volleyball Academy, our athletes compete at the highest levels of college sport, consistently demonstrating skill, passion and teamwork. As multiple-time AoC East Midlands Regional Champions and two-time National Cup quarter finalists, our teams have a proud history of success on both regional and national stages.

We regularly compete in the East Midlands League, the National Volleyball Cup and a variety of prestigious national and regional competitions where we don’t just participate, we strive to win. Our players have even advanced to compete in England’s National Volleyball League, highlighting the calibre of talent developed within our programme.

One of the highlights in recent years was our team’s thrilling victory against a touring side from Argentina – an unforgettable experience that underscores our commitment to challenging ourselves against top international competition. We have more exciting events like this planned for the coming year to broaden our players’ horizons and raise the standard of play.

Our success is driven by outstanding coaching, with years of experience in developing winning teams and nurturing individual talent. At Tresham, we don’t just play volleyball, we create champions.

Meet the experts:

Matt Lambert Tresham
Volleyball Academy Head Coach

Matt Lambert

Since joining the college in 2008 as a Sport Lecturer, Matt has been an integral part of our team, combining his love for teaching with his passion for sport. It was through his leadership of the College’s sports programme that his enthusiasm for volleyball truly took off. As a Level 2 Volleyball Coach, Matt has achieved remarkable success.

He led the women’s volleyball team to two triumphs at the AoC East Midlands Regional Tournament, earning spots at the prestigious AoC National Championships where they secured 5th and 7th place finishes. His coaching excellence extended to the men’s team, guiding them to victory in the College Regional Finals in 2019-20.

Tresham College Facilities

A course for everyone

We have a course for everyone.  Our staff will make sure you slot in at the right level so you can get the most out of your studies too.

Level 2 Diploma in Sport.  You will study topics including fitness, anatomy, lifestyle and wellbeing – and lots of volleyball of course.  We’ll also get you started on your coaching career.

Level 3 Diploma in Sport.  You will study topics including coaching, health, fitness, nutrition and sport psychology – and lots of volleyball of course.  We’ll also get you started on your coaching career.

Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching.  You will study topics including fitness, sport psychology, coaching, anatomy and sport performance – and lots of volleyball of course.  We’ll also get you started on your coaching career.  You will study at the College and your degree will be awarded by our academic partner, the University of Bedfordshire.

Girl with volleyball

Natalie Short

Natalie Short is an outstanding athlete who began her journey at Tresham College after completing Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in Uniformed Public Services. She then progressed onto the Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching programme, quickly establishing herself as a key player in the Volleyball Academy.

Natalie’s exceptional motivation, determination and work ethic, combined with her powerful spike, made her a standout performer. Throughout her time at Tresham, she consistently excelled, finishing twice as runner-up in the AoC Regional Volleyball Tournament. In 2023, Natalie and her team clinched the East Midlands Regional Championship, securing their place at the national finals. There, they won three matches and achieved an impressive sixth place nationally.

Since graduating, Natalie has built a successful career as a Teaching & Learning Assistant in a primary school, whilst continuing to showcase her athletic talent by competing in the National Volleyball League with Northampton Volleyball Club.

Natalie’s journey exemplifies the opportunities Tresham College provides to dedicated and talented athletes, supporting both academic and sporting success.

Ready to join the next generation of volleyball talent?

Meet our Head Coaches and discover first-hand what makes Tresham Academy of Sport truly exceptional.

To book your place at an upcoming open trial or to arrange a chat with a Head Coach, simply email us at sportsacademy@bedford.ac.uk with your name and phone number. We’ll respond promptly to guide you through the next steps.

Bedford College Sport Level 3

SPORT & FITNESS COURSES

If you are highly motivated, energetic and dynamic, our Sport & Fitness courses will enable you to study and specialise in areas such as outdoor leisure, development and fitness, and personal training.

Find out more