WESSEX Volleyball Club is hoping to have a major interest in London 2012.

No fewer than seven players produced by the local outfit are aiming to secure an Olympic place in the months ahead.

The septet all learned their trade as Wessex youngsters before going on to play the game around the globe.

Five of the seven are professionals on the European circuit, with two others currently showcasing their skills in far-flung destinations like New Zealand and the USA.

Former Poole Grammar School pupil Dan Hunter is a probable selection for the GB men’s indoor squad. Dorset-born Hunter, who plays in Holland, has been the team’s first-choice back-court specialist for the past two years. The women’s indoor team could include as many as three ex-Wessex stars – with vice-captain Lucy Wicks and Vicky Palmer both in line for a summer call-up. Wicks, who attended Parkstone Grammar School, is a professional in Germany, while Palmer competes in Belgium.

Another Parkstone Grammar graduate, Poole-born Zara Dampney, is part of Britain’s top-ranked women’s beach volleyball pairing. She is training in New Zealand ahead of a possible Olympic campaign.

Other Wessex products with Olympic hopes include Oliver Kimber (men’s indoor), Nicky Osborne (women’s indoor) and Gregg Weaver (men’s beach).

For further information on these players, visit wessexvolleyball.com