our founding directors

michael Constantinou

Founding Director, Secretary & Treasurer
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Mike is the co-founder of Cardiff Beach Volleyball. Julia and Mike would often visit Julia's family in Germany and see so many Beach Volleyball courts available to play in parks and around lakes. This inspired them to bring the beach into the city, creating the opportunity for others to participate in this great sport. Mike has been playing since 1997 and has achieved many top positions in Welsh and British tournaments.

Julia and Mike have 3 children, Liam (above), Tio and Eleni. Julia played Indoor 6 a side Volleyball for Team South Wales while they competed in the British National Super 8 division. Julia also has a wealth of knowledge and experience with Beach Volleyball having also achieved top finishing positions in Welsh and British tournaments.

carl Harwood

Founding Director & Facilities

Carl Harwood, known as 'Coach Carlos' is also a co-founder of Cardiff Beach Volleyball. He has a passion for the sport dating back to 1997 when he and Mike started playing. Carl then set up the first Beach Volleyball Club at Barry Island in year 1999.

​Carlos is the organisation behind the Welsh and British National tournaments held at Barry Island and Cardiff Bay Urban Tour. His nickname was given by his Glamorgan University students from coaching the indoor teams.

our club coaches

Adriano Muhlbauer​

Club Coach and Youth Development Lead
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Sport psychologist by training, beach lover by heart. I've combined the two to help young athletes thrive. Whether mastering the perfect spike or building confidence, my sessions are high energy, serious FUN, and a coaching style that keeps players alert! Are you ready to pick up this new challenge? Off the sand, I offer sport psychology sessions for parents, athletes and teams because mindset matters just as much as technical skills. THE ONLY LIMIT IS YOU!

Zaira Orellana

Club Coach and Performance Lead
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I'm a former professional indoor and beach volleyball player from Mexico. I had the honour of representing my country in major international competitions, including the Central- and Pan American Games, NORCECA tournaments, World Championships and FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. Today, my purpose is to share my experience and lessons learnt, and inspire others to pursue their goals with passion, consistency and determination. 
I was 6 when I first tossed a ball around with my mother, just for a laugh. I got more serious when I was 11. My best advice? Be patient, dare to make mistakes, and most of all, enjoy the game. When you have fun, you learn faster. I'm excited to join the Cardiff Beach Community this season. Whatever your age, new starter or pushing semi-pro, I look forward to working with you all!

Billy morgan

Club Coach and link for Cardiff Celts Junior Indoor Volleyball Club

I touched my first volleyball in 1996! Since then, I've played Indoor seriously from 2010 with the Cardiff Celts in the National League and have been playing Beach for 10 years. I am a PE teacher and have been coaching youth Indoor teams for 6 years. ​I never stop learning and enjoy building skills for beginner and intermediate players. You’ll leave my training sessions tired and happy!

Clare Skidmore

Club Coach, Champion for Women & Girls in Volleyball

I've played Indoor 13 years and Beach 8 years - playing UKBT 3/4* Tournaments and Grandslams. I’m a top-ranked Welsh UKBT player, consistently in the UK top 15-30. I have achieved caps for Wales and 3rd in 2021 Commonwealth qualification. As a 'late starter,' I believe in growth at any age with determination and commitment. I coach with focus and fun - seeing mistakes as learning. Expect collaborative sessions, responsive to your needs. I coach the women’s intermediate group and love seeing you become confident, strong and competitive players.

Elisa Ionascu

Club Coach, Champion for Women & Girls in Volleyball

Hi! I'm Elisa, 23 and a Welsh beach player. I have played Indoor since 2014 and beach since 2020. I've had good UKBT results and International experience. I achieved 3rd in Commonwealth 2021 qualification. As a young Welsh athlete, I want to inspire future generations and make more history! I've coached Beach beginners and intermediates, as well as Cardiff University Women's Indoor 2nd Team. I am also a teaching assistant which has helped make me an enthusiastic coach with high expectations. My sessions mix technique, intensity, and fun. As I'm returning from an ACL injury, I prioritise injury prevention too. See you on the sand!

Rumen Popov

Club coach and New Players Champion

Hey! I’m Rumen, here to bring energy and level up your beach game! I’ve coached all levels, from first-timers to advanced. My goal, regardless of level, is that you'll leave sessions stronger, confident, and excited to keep learning in the *occasional* Welsh sunshine. I've been playing volleyball 10+ years, I was semi-pro in Bulgaria and mentored by great coaches. This summer, I'm coaching adult beginners and improvers, working on essential beach skills from passing and serving to positioning and team dynamics. We'll have a blast improving together. Can’t wait to see you on the sand!

Mikhail Babinskyi

Club coach and Friday Games Night lead

Former professional football player who is in love with beach volleyball. I’ve played in national and international competitions. In the UK, I ranked in the top 15 players in 2023, and represented our Cardiff club at the National Club Championships twice. I’m still confident that I can improve as a player and am constantly working on it. I have extensive coaching experience, and knowledge of applied sports psychology, tactics analysis and match strategy. As a coach I value passion and effort in my players. I look forward to working with you.

Mike Constantinou

Club Coach and Director
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Mike is also a keen Badminton player who has managed to maintain both sports over his long competitive career. 'Looking after yourself is the key and of course, being lucky'.
Mike represented Wales in the Urban Tour 2005/06 and successfully competed on the National UK Tour for over 25 years (still competing). Prepared/Managed the Welsh teams competing at the Commonwealth Games qualifier in Cyprus & Scotland.

Coaching Qualifications:
Level 1 UKCC
FIVB Level 1 Beach Volleyball = to Level 2.5 UKCC
Coaching Focus:
Ball control: technical aspect: versatility: problem solving: game strategy: game- based exercises.​

Matthew Pollock

Club Coach and Youth Development Champion

I've played Indoor for 15 and Beach for 7 years. As an active player on the UKBT I rank in the top 20 of UK players and as Welsh Volleyball athlete, finished with a 4th place in the SCA zonal tour of the European Volleyball Association (CEV). I'm a keen Indoor and Volleyball coach with 12 years of experience. I am passionate about developing young players all the way to excellence. Really looking to the Cardiff 2026 Beach training season with you all!

Our Assistant coaches

We have helped train a huge team of fabulous assistant coaches who help out at training sessions and generally brining good vibes to the sand!

If you have an interest in becoming an assistant coach, let us know...​

OUR club sub-committee

Mercedes Gare
Competitions and events organisation, general support

Julia Constantinou
(primary) schools liaison

Siske Struik
Club coaches and trainings management, general support

Walkiria Bacon-Peniche
Merchandise, kit and general support

Aggi Kozlowska
Adviser,  general support

Zac Dyer
​Website design

Riina Lehtonen
Club welfare officer
Contact details: [email protected]

Want to join our team?

We're always interested in volunteers and keen to hear from passionate individuals to support our community.
​Please email us at [email protected]