Photo: CEV.lu
British volleyball coach Joel Banks has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Finnish men’s National Team.
The Finnish volleyball federation announced the hiring on Monday. Mr. Banks will succeed Tuomas Sammelvuo as the Finnish coach. Mr. Sammelvuo was recently appointed as the Head Coach of Russia.
Joel Banks and the Finnish federation signed a two-and-a-half-year contract. Massive challenges await Mr. Banks and his team: Finland will take part in the European Golden League, Olympic qualification and European Championships this year.
Finland is currently ranked 11th in Europe and 19th in the world.
– Finland are a strong team. My task is to help the players achieve the next level. Hard work is essential to my style of coaching. I put myself on the line. We have to find the best style of play together, said Mr. Banks in a statement.
Banks, a 44-year-old Briton from Portsmouth, currently coaches VC Greenyard Maaseik in the finals of the Belgian volleyball league. Despite his job with Finland, he will continue as the Maaseik Head Coach.
As a head coach, Joel Banks has Belgian and Dutch championships to his name. As a player, he played as a setter.