Chairs’ Report

Message from the Chair of Volleyball England foundation - simone turner

As we and the world around us have been learning to cope with 'new normals', this will be our first Annual Report and opportunity to speak with you formally about the Foundation and its important work.

I am conscious that life for some, if not all, will be markedly different than it was a year ago. And certainly, as a Foundation, we couldn't have anticipated relaunching the charity at such a time.

However, it is in times of crisis when people need charities most, and those who have the ability, and want to help, do.

And so it has been, with the small, dedicated and entirely voluntary board here at the Foundation. We have no staff, so everything you have seen, read, shared, applied for and acted on has been made possible with the generous commitment of time and resources of this newly formed team.

In the past year we have established this team - a solid, experienced and professional group of trustees committed to steering the vision and way forward towards enabling and empowering our volleyball community.

We’ve launched a brand-new website, established our founding campaigns, partnered with world leaders in our community like WorldParaVolley, Molten, CEV and others. We’ve helped launch a book, traded in bucket collections for AmazonSmile donations and set about giving valuable insight to accessing community funding all with a singular mandate; to help you do what you do best, grow the game of volleyball.

Making a difference in people’s lives through volleyball is a key focus of our vision. Whether it be through developing new grass roots opportunities to play, growing existing structures and teams or supporting individuals on their path of high performance – we are here to help in any way that we can.

Rebuilding the Foundation has provided us with the means to launch our first official funding initiative for developing Sitting Volleyball programmes within the club structure. We anticipate delivering over £10K in funding over the next 12-18 months for all successful applicants. But there is much more to come and I look forward to sharing the new developments and success stories that will shine through our regular updates in our newsletters and social media posts.

Looking to the long-term, I know there may be those of you in our community who give regularly to charities and perhaps never had the opportunity to give to a Foundation quite as unique as this. It is likely volleyball is and has been a sport that has given you so much or afforded you with a special and unforgettable life experience, such as it has for me. 

I hope, in time, this Foundation does you proud and becomes a worthwhile and meaningful cause to support and we will be doing everything in our power to make that so.

For those who perhaps have never considered giving regularly before to anyone! let alone a sporting charity, being a supporter of the Foundation might simply mean joining our newsletter, lending a hand or becoming a familiar, friendly face – and for that, I thank you.

And finally, for the current members of the board. Your persistence and dedication has undoubtedly laid the bedrock for a strong Foundation. Thank you for all your hard work to date and in the days to come.

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay connected.

We have much to do, and together I know we can.

Simone Turner
Chair
Volleyball England Foundation

Message from the Chair of Volleyball England - Adam Walker

I am delighted at the way the Foundation has developed over the last 12 months. A talented  group of knowledgeable and passionate trustees have done an enormous amount of work to resurrect the Foundation.

With a raised profile and improved governance the Foundation, as our charitable arm, is now in a position to be successful and flourish, bringing much needed resources to the sport.

The work being done by the Foundation strategically aligns with that of Volleyball England and together the two organisations are working hand in hand to achieve the best outcomes for the membership.

I am looking forward to future developments and a close working relationship with the Foundation that will support both our strategic objectives and leave a lasting legacy for the sport we are all passionate about.

Adam Walker
Chair
Volleyball England