History and Ethos
London Lynx Volleyball Club was formed out of an amalgamation of 3 local clubs back in 1991. The clubs were originally based in Haringey and Leyton we merged and relocated to Tower Hamlets. As a club we have prided ourselves in being a progressive community club, developing and providing volleyball opportunities for local people, young and old, at all levels of ability up to our Super 8s men team competing in England top national league.
We are constantly upskilling our players, coaches and administrators and have found that many of our current members have been with the club for 10+ years, many having made the transition from school to club as players and administrators. Our current cohort of junior players travel from several London boroughs, which we find very refreshing and it helps to break down many of the barriers to participation especially around postcodes and culture and constantly challenges preconceived ideas.
Over more recent years we have found it extremely more challenging to continue offering opportunities to the younger people as the costs of providing opportunities to play, learn and compete become more and more expensive.
As a club we strive to offer our young people;
Coaching opportunities:
We have provided opportunities for the 16+ age group to qualify as UKCC level 1 coaches and then to become club and community coaches, being mentored by our more experienced club coaches and also to assist our local coaches working in schools and the local community. This offers the opportunity for the young people to gain an accredited qualification, a small income, improve confidence and self-esteem. Younger players and encouraged to complete other more age appropriate courses.
Officiating Opportunities:
We put a number of our young people on officials courses, again once qualified they have the option of scoring and refereeing local matches thus developing their social skills, especially around communication with adults in a controlled environment.
Playing Opportunities:
The club tries to offer as many playing opportunities as possible as we feel that competition goes a long way in sustaining involvement with club. Our next step capitalising on the increased level of local junior activity is local age group competitions. Working with juniors is difficult financially, having to provide transport, tournament entry fees and hall hire. We are working to develop more regular local age group competitions (new activity), therefore providing more local opportunities, offering better value for money.
Training Opportunities:
We aim to offer any junior a place where they can play in a safe, competitive and fun environment, at all times offering the appropriate pathways ensuring success at all levels.
We are constantly upskilling our players, coaches and administrators and have found that many of our current members have been with the club for 10+ years, many having made the transition from school to club as players and administrators. Our current cohort of junior players travel from several London boroughs, which we find very refreshing and it helps to break down many of the barriers to participation especially around postcodes and culture and constantly challenges preconceived ideas.
Over more recent years we have found it extremely more challenging to continue offering opportunities to the younger people as the costs of providing opportunities to play, learn and compete become more and more expensive.
As a club we strive to offer our young people;
Coaching opportunities:
We have provided opportunities for the 16+ age group to qualify as UKCC level 1 coaches and then to become club and community coaches, being mentored by our more experienced club coaches and also to assist our local coaches working in schools and the local community. This offers the opportunity for the young people to gain an accredited qualification, a small income, improve confidence and self-esteem. Younger players and encouraged to complete other more age appropriate courses.
Officiating Opportunities:
We put a number of our young people on officials courses, again once qualified they have the option of scoring and refereeing local matches thus developing their social skills, especially around communication with adults in a controlled environment.
Playing Opportunities:
The club tries to offer as many playing opportunities as possible as we feel that competition goes a long way in sustaining involvement with club. Our next step capitalising on the increased level of local junior activity is local age group competitions. Working with juniors is difficult financially, having to provide transport, tournament entry fees and hall hire. We are working to develop more regular local age group competitions (new activity), therefore providing more local opportunities, offering better value for money.
Training Opportunities:
We aim to offer any junior a place where they can play in a safe, competitive and fun environment, at all times offering the appropriate pathways ensuring success at all levels.
