They spent a week training at the English Institute of Sport (EIS) alongside Britain's team, who are hoping to compete in the Olympics for the first time at London.

Sheffield-based Japanese automotive components manufacturer Toyoda Gosei hosted a function in honour of the Japanese team and staff were invited to watch them take on Britain's for a competitive training game.

The team, which won the gold medals at the 1964 and 1976 Olympics and have finished fifth in the last two Games, also enjoyed a taste of some of the cultural highlights Sheffield and the surrounding region has to offer.

As part of the trip they visited Chatsworth House and were invited to a reception in the Lord Mayor’s parlour in Sheffield’s Town Hall.

The visit also generated interest from Japanese students and lecturers at the University of Sheffield, excited by the visit of the team, volunteered to act as guides.

Audrey Cooper, Britain women’s head coach, who based at the EIS, was pivotal in arranging the visit, using contacts she had made during her playing career.



Kenny Barton, the GB Volleyball Performance Programme Manager, said: "The visit from the Japanese women’s team has been a great opportunity for the GB women’s volleyball squad to train with some of the quickest players in the world.

"In order to continue to develop our squad it is crucial we get the opportunity to train and play against high ranking teams and we are continually working with Sheffield City Council to help attract them to visit the city.

"Serbia will be the next high ranking team to visit Ponds Forge to play GB Women in a televised European League match on Saturday 3 July at 6pm.”

With the British men and women's squads permanently based in Sheffield since 2007, the city has attracted a number of international teams and hosted major volleyball tournaments. 

Sheffield hasve already sealed a deal with Serbia to train there before London 2012 and are hoping to persuade China to base themselves in Yorkshire.  

Roger Davison Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "London 2012 presents a great opportunity for Sheffield to build strong relationships with international sports teams.

"We have been working closely with GB Volleyball to help attract international teams to the city as the training camps bring with them a significant boost to the local economy.

"The teams use local hotels, restaurants and transport and also enable Sheffield to showcase its offer to international visitors."


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September 2010: China open talks with Sheffield about 2012 pre-Olympic training camp
May 2009: Serbia head to Yorkshire for London 2012