Jorg Ahmann, a bronze medallist for Germany at Sydney 2000, will direct the coaching programme in the UK, and said: “I see Britain in a similar place in Beach Volleyball as Germany was a few years ago.

 

"I am looking forward to getting started with the players in the New-Year."

 

He will be assisted by American Jeff Alzina, who will operate from California and hone the top pairings for the Beijing qualification circuit.

 

“The players will be training over in Hermosa Beach , the starting point of beach volleyball," said Alzina.

 

"There they will be training six days a week, high intensity with the US national squads, some NBA and AVP players in both group and individual training.

 

"I worked f or the Greek national team after Athens 2004 had been announced and they were ranked in the 60s. I worked with the players and they qualified for Sydney 2000 and were ready f or Athens."

 

Among the players that the new coaches met were Lucy Boulton, Zara Dampney and Shauna Mullin, who took the opportunity to have a knock-about in Horse Guards Parade (pictured).

 

They also linked up with brothers Jake and Luke Sheaf, who arejust 16 and 18 years old. They have only been playing for two years after playing indoor volleyball for England Junior s and have been identified at the GB training camps this summer.

 

Richard Callicott, the president of British Volleyball, hailed the pair's appointment as a significant step on the road to London 2012.

 

“Our dreams for volleyball are becoming a reality," he said. 

 

"It is extremely exciting and we look at Horse Guards Parade with anticipation."