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Richmond Scooped Two National Awards

1st May 2007

Last Saturday Volleyball England held the Annual Awards Ceremony at Kettering (Northants). Notwithstanding that it was the first time entry for Richmond Volleyball in the NGB nominations, the club got short listed in two categories – Club of the Year and the Promotional Award for Non-NVL Clubs. Richmond scooped the 3rd prize in the ‘Club of the Year’ award with Redhill Stourbridge based in West Midlands (2nd) and Newbury (1st). This achievement holds an extra value for Richmond Volleyball as it was the only London club short listed for this prestigious award.

Richmond Volleyball also got one of the two new Promotional Awards, introduced this year to reward clubs that succeed in promoting volleyball in their communities. This success is a credit to Richmond’s Media team which showed commitment and enthusiasm working with local media partners on promoting volleyball.

Richmond's Chairman commented that these awards confirm that Richmond’s vision of bringing athletes, coaches, and the local community together by integrating sport, competition, training and education is going in the right direction. From a small group of casual players, meeting on Sundays in Whitton School, Richmond has grown into a big volleyball community with more than 200 people playing volleyball in various leagues and competitions. Players have opportunities to compete locally (u14 and u16 Richmond Schools Competitive Edge Programme), regionally (London and Surrey Leagues) and nationally (National Junior Championships, BUSA and BCSA). Currently Richmond has 5 junior teams, 3 university teams and 2 senior adult teams. There are plans for the next season to add 2 more junior teams of a younger age group and 2 elite teams in the National Volleyball League. Richmond Volleyball is now deservedly viewed as one of four junior development hubs in London.

Richmond Volleyball’s success story is based on focusing on local volleyball and building strong relationships with several key community partners such as St Mary’s University College, Kingston University, Richmond College, Kingston College, Richmond Schools Sport Partnership, Richmond Council and Sport Richmond. Through efficient collaboration with our partners and their continuous support and commitment we were able in a short period to reach further and to achieve more than our initial plans. Naturally, our ambitious vision and growth would not have been achieved without hard work by a group of devoted and enthusiastic club volunteers and support from the Volleyball England Officers - Laura Brown (Club Development ) and Gemma Nunnerley (Events and Competitions).

Our sincere thanks go to everybody who helped Richmond Volleyball to get firmly rooted in the local sport community and achieve national recognition in 2007 with the two prestigious Volleyball England Awards.

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