The male volleyball teams representing the Isle of Man in the NatWest Island Games XVI have secured sponsorship. First Names Group, a leading trust, funds and corporate services provider has committed ?3000 to help support both the Beach and Indoor Men’s Volleyball sides who will compete in Jersey this summer.

The sponsorship money pledged by First Names Group will cover the cost of playing kits for both teams and contribute towards travel and accommodation expenses for the squad’s stay during the Games.

The inter-island competition which runs from 27 June until 4 July will see the largest Isle of Man Volleyball squad to have ever entered, with members totalling 21 (20 competitors and one Team Official). For most of the squad this will be their first experience of competing at an Island Games, as the last time a Manx Men’s Indoor Volleyball team competed was in 2001, when the Games were hosted locally.

Daniel Smith, Team Coach and Men’s Beach Volleyball Captain, said:

“This is the largest and strongest volleyball squad representing the Isle of Man in Island Games history. We have been working towards this for three years now and plan to make an impact, so we’re very thankful to First Names Group for their support.”

Nigel Kane, Men’s Indoor Volleyball Captain, added:

“On behalf of the Men's Indoor Volleyball squad I would like to say how delighted we are that First Names Group have agreed to be our kit sponsor. The squad travelling to Jersey for this year’s Natwest Island Games has a great team spirit and it is a great honour to captain such a dedicated team. Big thanks once again; we will wear our kit with pride.”

Speaking of their sponsorship contribution, Gary Hepburn, Managing Director of First Names Group in Isle of Man, commented:

“We are so pleased to have been able to show our support for the Isle of Man in the Island Games. We wish the very best of luck to the Men’s Volleyball teams and all the other teams and individuals representing the island at this year’s Games.”