Sheffield Hallam win Most Improved Team of the Year

On Saturday 31 May 2014 at one of the largest student balls in the country, the Korfball team at Sheffield Hallam University won the Most Improved Team of the Year award.

The Sheffield Hallam Sports Ball is an annual black tie event in which all team Sheffield Hallam clubs gather to celebrate the successes over the course of the season, awards are presented to the highest achieving clubs and players. It is a prestigious event, in which Korfball has rarely featured during these awards in the past.

Rick O’Toole, Sheffield Hallam University Sports Union Manager said: “We are absolutely delighted for the Korfball Club winning our Most Improved Team of the Year award at this year’s annual sports awards.

“We have been so impressed with how the club has conducted itself both in the preparation for matches and during competitions.  They are entirely student led which makes this award even more special.

“The club has a well decorated history with several players having represented England and Great Britain both at a student and senior level.  After a difficult period losing some key players and experience we are delighted that the club has re-established itself as one of the UK’s best University teams and as one of the best Yorkshire and Midlands teams.”

Chairperson and First team captain of Sheffield Hallam Korfball club Vikki Tobin said: “I cannot begin to express my elation at winning one of the main awards for 2013/14 season at the Sports Ball Awards night, being the “Most Improved Team of the Year”.

“After a successful recruitment of many new players at the start of the season, as a club we were able to develop and teach the sport to a standard that allowed us to move from 14th in the 2012/13 season at BUCS Nationals, to 5th place at the 2013/14 BUCS Nationals, having lost out in the quarter finals by only one goal, to the eventual tournament winners.

“We have also finished 2nd in one league, and 1st in two others – leading to promotion. This is a vast improvement from previous years. The club committee and all its members have worked tirelessly investing in new equipment, optimising game time and training, and above all worked tremendously as a team whether they were a beginner, through to GB student level, resulting in us receiving what we feel, is a well deserved award.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the club, committee, 1st and 2nd team, who have not only been great korfers, but have also become life-long friends. I wish Sheffield Hallam all the best for next season, and believe they are set up in good stead to continue building on this years achievements”

Along with Sheffield Hallam University Korfball club, the other nominees for the Most Improved Team of the Year award were: Swimming, Rugby League, Women’s Badminton and Gaelic Athletic Club.

Congratulations to Sheffield Hallam Korfball Club on their Team of the Year award.