This year’s tournament, SOVT 2026, is in memory of local volleyballer Douglas Crockart whose influence spread through local, regional and national volleyball circles over many years.
Over a 20 year career, Doug played 527 times for Dundee and appropriately, in his last ever game was subbed so Lewis, his son, could make his debut. Retirement lasted all of 10 minutes before being pulled into coaching Scotland East and Scotland U-20s. In this, he truly came alive.
His love for the game was infectious and passing on his experience to others brought out the very best in him. His passion and his humour created a coach who wasn’t just there to win games and lift trophies. Doug was there whether you needed better passing technique or a shoulder to cry on. His legacy as a coach is seen throughout Scottish Volleyball, with countless members of the national team having been coached by him. Unfortunately he never got into his stride with his first full time roll as U-17 head coach as his time was cut short before he could influence the next generation.
In addition to his career in national league volleyball, he was equally committed to local and regional volleyball. Over his career of 20 years he played district league every season alongside Karen, who unlike the juniors was not always as appreciative of his coaching. Doug took players from the local leagues and guided them through the junior and senior national team system, from Perth’s recreational league to the European championships. He was proud of every single graduate of the pathway system.
SOVT or “The Open” as it’s colloquially known, is written on the Crockart calendar in all capitals – the perfect end to a season. Karen, Lewis and Megan would ask that you do as he would on this weekend every year. See your friends, have a laugh, tell the same stories you did last year, pray it doesn’t rain and ruin your neon shoes.
