PROUD by name and proud by nature.

Naaz Volleyball Club lived up to their name when they won a local nine-a-side volleyball tournament for the sixth successive year.

Organised by the volleyball club itself, Naaz underlined the fact that they are one of the best sides in the North West after beating off competition from teams from as far as Manchester and Preston.

Now the Blackburn blub, which trains at St Wilfrid's School, is looking to organise a top tournament for the Millennium and test their skills against the best teams in the country on home soil.

Like many other locally-based clubs, Naaz travel the length and breadth of the country competing in competitions.

But now club officials believe it is time Blackburn hosted such an event.

Formed in 1980, Naaz Volleyball Club has steadily grown and can now boast a senior squad of up to 30 players and have already set up a junior section who train every Sunday at the school.

And club secretary Shabir Firfirey believes that one of the way those youngsters can turn into good volleyball players is to watch some of the best players in the country up here in Blackburn.

He said: "Although Blackburn has a number of good volleyball teams who travel around the country to compete, we have never held such an event in the town.

"It would be a tremendous boost for the sport in the area if we could attract some of the best teams in the country to Blackburn."

And Mr Firfirey believes the support the community have given to the club could be a major factor in winning the tournament themselves. He added: "Volleyball seems to have really caught the imagination in our community. The youngsters can't wait to train every week and, along with older members, they turn up in force to watch us play in local events.

"Some times I feel they give us too much support!"

Now Mr Firfirey is looking for a venue to stage the event on one of the Bank Holidays next year. He is also looking for sponsorship to make the tournament a success.

He added: "The sort of tournament we are looking to hold would have to take place over a two day period so one of the bank holiday weekends would be ideal.

"We are very grateful to Fareed's Take-Away who sponsored our local event but obviously for something much bigger would need more financial backing.

"If we do manage to hold this event then I for one would be a very proud man."

Anyone interested should ring the club secretary Shabir Firfirey on 01254 674193.

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