MARGATE MASTERS BEACH VOLLEYBALL 2010

National championship beach volleyball returns to Margate Main Sands this summer, with the fourth annual Margate Masters event.

Voted as the Best Tour Event in 2009 by the players and officials of Volleyball England, last year's event attracted more than 5,000 people to see the action on the showcourts. This year's free event, which is organised by Thanet District Council's Sport Matters team, runs from Friday 9 July to Sunday 11 July, with play from 9am to 5pm.

The 2010 Margate Masters kicks off on Friday 9 July with a schools competition during the day, followed by a corporate event in the early evening, giving local youngsters and companies the chance to play in the main arena.

The elite competition starts on Saturday 10 July, with the main Volleyball England Beach Tour event attracting the top players in the country, along with some international teams. There will be full match commentary and entertainment, including music, dance and foot volley demonstrations.

The women's final will then take place from 1.30pm on the Sunday, followed by the men's final from 3.30pm that day. Sunday also sees the return of the "Local Standard" knockout event which proved to be very popular in 2009. The knockout is aimed at anyone looking to have a go at volleyball with teams consisting of two or four people (mixed teams allowed). Registration is at 9.00am on the day or for more details, check out the website.

Sports Development Officer, Martyn Cassell, said: "The Margate Masters has already got a reputation as one of the best volleyball events in the UK and it's a great opportunity to enjoy the stunning Thanet coastline. This is also a unique opportunity to enjoy a national sporting event right on your doorstep at a superb venue that's already on the list of potential pre-Olympic training camps for beach volleyball for the 2012 London Olympics. Not only is beach volleyball an Olympic sport, but it's also rated as one of the top five spectator sports in the world. As well as some first class competition over the weekend from some of the best players in the country, there's also a chance for people to come along and have a go on the community play courts or in the coaching areas."

For more information, visit either www.thanet.gov.uk/sport or www.volleyballengland.org/beach Anyone who wants to get involved with a national sports event can register to become an event volunteer, while companies can also get involved by becoming either suppliers or sponsors. Contact Martyn Cassell on 01843 577367 for more information.