The sixth annual Swindon Nepalese Volleyball Club competition transformed the park into a vibrant sporting venue, with matches running from morning into the evening.
Men’s and women’s sides travelled to the town to take part in the day-long event, while spectators gathered along the courts to watch the action unfold.
Among those in attendance was Mayor of Swindon Fay Howard, who praised the atmosphere and sense of togetherness on display.
She said:
“It’s been fantastic to see teams from all over England come and play volleyball on Buckhurst Field. It’s great to see supporting the men’s and women’s teams all the way through, and I even got the ball over the net, amazing.”
While volleyball does not attract the same mainstream attention in Britain as football or rugby, participation has been steadily increasing.
Sport England data suggesting more than 60,000 people take part recreationally.
Globally, the sport is among the most widely played, with strong followings across Asia, Europe and South America. That popularity is reflected within Nepalese communities in the UK.
Volleyball is officially recognised as the national sport of Nepal and is played extensively across both rural and urban areas, with strong participation among men and women.
In Swindon, the sport has become both a competitive outlet and a social focal point for members of the Nepalese community. One organiser said:
“Every year we run this tournament and many players from different regions participate and enjoy the game. While the games are happening we also have food stalls with Nepalese flavour food, momo dumplings, BBQs and social spaces as well.
“We have a really fun day and it’s just nice to bring everybody together.”
They said the tournament goes beyond sport alone.
“The important thing is the community bonding. Players from different locations and regions come here and we foster relationships between communities.
“People living in Swindon also have a good opportunity to mingle and build relationships as a community.”
For many attending, the event showcased a thriving volleyball scene in Swindon that often goes unnoticed, despite drawing players and supporters from across the country.
