2022 Chairman's Report

Chair’s Report 2021-22

Summer 2021

Following a series of pandemic lockdowns, and a lost 2020-21 indoor season, we were thankfully able to play weekly outdoor volleyball in summer, plus some outdoor competitions.  We entered 5 teams in the inaugural Wiltshire 4s League (our best position was 2^nd) and one team in the WVA outdoor tournament.

Winter 2021-22

Pandemic challenges and opportunities

Our indoor season (September to April) was played under varying COVID restrictions, uncertainties and safety precautions.  Despite fears of further disruption, and a slow start, we ultimately completed a full season of competitions.  Many club members caught COVID at some point during the season, however our safety-conscious volleyball activities didn’t seem to cause the virus to spread between club members.  I thank everyone for following the safety protocols and helping to keep one another safe.

Two years of pandemic disruption gave us the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Lime Kiln Leisure Centre and expand our club offer.  For the first time we were able to secure a weekly Thursday evening session plus some Sunday daytimes, and to instal new equipment to run a long net down the entire length of the hall.  The benefits have been, and will continue to be: more (less interrupted) training for our women; hosting home SW League games for our women; hosting national and regional junior events; growing profile for our volleyball club at our home venue.

Innovations

At the start of the season we offered our members two sessions with a sports mindset coach (funded by the club; provided by videoconference due to COVID).  Fewer members attended than we hoped, but feedback from those who did attend was positive.  Should we offer this again?

With large numbers and turnover of players it is no longer practical to buy and loan club-owned shirts for all our competitive players.  This season we set up a club uniform deal through a well-known sports uniform supplier, Kitlocker, so that members can purchase their own club kit from a range of items.

Club growth

This season we expanded our club offer, as agreed at our last two AGMs, and experienced exceptional demand to join our club.  This seems to be fuelled by our junior offer, our growing reputation, our COVID-safe environment, the Olympics and the Japanese anime Haikyuu!  This meant:

• Record numbers of members, players (aged from 9 to 66 years) and teams.
• All sections full to capacity: 26 juniors; 20 women and 20 men/mixed.
• Waiting lists for new players: 10 junior; 10 women; 15 men (at April 2022).

• 14 competitive teams for U12, U14, U15, U16, U18 and adults in national, regional and county competitions, with many successes (see Head Coach’s report).
• More volunteer organisers, referees, coaches and helpers.

Growing demand and activity (plus the pandemic) brings organisational challenges, but there is no doubt we’ve had a remarkable and successful year.  This is only possible because of the passion and commitment of our members, including our many volunteer organisers, referees, coaches and helpers – I thank you all for making our club welcoming, safe and successful.

 

Phil Heads

April 2022