Tamworth Spartans Scoop the Top Honour
At the Volleyball England annual awards dinner on the 8th May, Tamworth Spartans were handed the Club of the Year award, given annually to recognise clubs which have made significant strides forward over the last year – both on and off the court.
Tamworth Spartans, established over 30 years ago, was the runner-up for the award three years ago, following a rebrand which saw the creation of the Spartans name and ethos. But following its first foray into the National Volleyball League, a commercial sponsorship tie-up with M6 Toll, the foundation of a new satellite club at Polesworth School and the doubling of the number of children playing at the club’s junior academy, Tamworth went one step further to win the main prize.
On the night, the Spartans beat off stiff competition from fellow shortlisted clubs Darkstar Derbyshire and South Hampshire Volleyball Club. Club chairman Simon Griffiths said: “We are over the moon to have been recognised by Volleyball England with the Club of the Year award. It really is a remarkable achievement – we are a club of around 40 adults, and we were up against clubs with 200+ members. But what we do have at Tamworth is an amazing group of volunteers who make special things happen.
“This award is for them – the committee members, coaches, our refs and officials, our captains and administrators. It’s for the players – junior and senior – who turn up week in, week out, always looking to play the game in the right way and who buy into what we are trying to build at Tamworth Spartans.”
In a season which has seen considerable on-court success, much credit for the award has to go to the off the court running of the club. The sponsorship deal from the M6 Toll to back the ladies’ National Volleyball League (NVL) side for three years is a significant moment – the first such commercial deal in its history and follows successful grant captures from both national and local bodies. A slimmed down and revamped executive committee now represents all squads in the club, and an annual coaching feedback process from players ensures coach accountability.
The club continues to boost community links – taking part in the Round Table’s annual Christmas fundraiser and running sessions for its members, and last year running a minority sports day with fellow Tamworth teams Mercia Judo and Tamworth Phoenix American football. But on the court too, the season has been a stellar year. The ladies’ NVL debut was marked with a remarkable second place finish in the division, whilst the regional first team just missed out on retaining their league title to also finish second. The men’s regional first team, which last season, only avoided relegation to division 2 by the skin of its teeth, has seen such a dramatic improvement in their performance that they too, could finish second in the league – with one match left to play. Both men’s and ladies’ second teams have won more matches than in recent memory – and, more importantly, have introduced novices to competitive action, and given league starts to several graduating junior players. Three of these junior players have been selected for the West Midlands U15 and U17 regional squads, to compete at the inter-regionals at the end of May. In knock-out action, the regional cup is still within grasp for the ladies’ 1st team, who play their semi-final against Hereford the weekend of 14th – 15th May. Male participation in the plate final is guaranteed, with the men’s teams facing each other in their semi-final in the same week.
The club will be launching a recruitment drive over the summer ahead of the 2016/17 season, for players at all levels – anyone interested should email information@tamworth-volleyball.com
Liz Fletcher
Relationship Manager (Black Country and Staffordshire)
07595 022516
l.fletcher@volleyballengland.org