IBB Polonia London, a volleyball club founded in 1973, is not just a team competing for the top trophies in British competitions. It is also an organization passionately committed to promoting volleyball and engaging children and youth in the sport. Projects like Pro Volley Academy and IBB Polonia London’s Junior Academy help both the youngest players and slightly older trainees develop their talent and love for volleyball. Now, the club is taking a step further by offering students unique opportunities to combine their sporting careers with education at renowned universities.
Successes of Pro Volley Academy
Pro Volley Academy has been operating since April 2020, having already won two U18 runner-up titles in England. However, this is not the greatest achievement of Grzegorz Niski and the Academy’s coaches. Pro Volley alumni are increasingly making their way onto the courts of the Super League and are receiving sports scholarships at various universities. Players who were key members of Pro Volley Academy just one or two years ago are now part of university teams such as Essex Rebels and the University of Nottingham.
Hassan Farhat and Asher Miller have been representing Essex Rebels for two seasons, where, under the guidance of the well-known coach Alex Porter, they are taking their next steps in senior volleyball, combining sports with education. Lisle Costard and Szymon Dar, former Pro Volley talents, are now playing for the University of Nottingham coached by Freddie Fairbairn, while Nico Gajkiewicz represents Richmond Docklands. Benaya Kouame has joined Malory Eagles, and Martino Costa de Silva represents Newcastle Knights.
Henry de Lima – The First Pro Volley Scholarship Recipient
We must also mention Henry de Lima, a Pro Volley Academy graduate and the first recipient of the Pro Volley Scholarship, who this year was accepted to one of the world’s best universities – University College London (UCL). Henry is also making an impact on the senior squad of IBB Polonia London, alongside young prospects like Oliwier Wróbel, Nathan Williams, and Kadeem Mckoy, who are beginning to make their mark on the sport.
“My time at Pro Volley was an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to grow not only academically and athletically but also as a person. It was a great chance for learning and self-improvement. Additionally, playing in the senior team was a huge honor and an opportunity to gain experience that benefits me both on and off the court. Combining sports with education requires a lot of self-discipline, no matter what your academic plans are. I am incredibly excited to be going to UCL. It’s a very prestigious university, and I am happy to be studying at such a great institution. I am very grateful to IBB Polonia London for the support, without which combining my passion with further education would not have been possible,” summarized Henry, who is representing IBB Polonia London this season.
Pro Volley Scholarships – Combining Passion with Education
The Pro Volley Scholarship aims to allow young volleyball players to continue their athletic development while giving them the opportunity to study at prestigious London universities. Henry de Lima is living proof that the program works and can bring young athletes many benefits both on and off the court.
“We are proud that such an ambitious athlete, but above all a wonderful young man like Henry, represents the colors of IBB Polonia London. He won medals with our Academy, took his first steps in senior volleyball, and now he’s attending a great university while continuing his volleyball journey,” emphasizes IBB Polonia London president Bartek Łuszcz.
The scholarship program is a new initiative for the London club. Wanting to meet the needs of young volleyball players graduating from Pro Volley Academy, the club’s leadership recognized that the opportunity to combine passion and further education in London aligns with the club’s mission and vision.
Watching the graduates of Pro Volley Academy, we are extremely proud of their achievements and the journey they’ve taken since their first training session. The progress they’ve made both on and off the court is a huge inspiration for us. Their successes have motivated us to create the Pro Volley Academy Scholarship, which aims to support young volleyball players in their further sporting and academic development. We believe that in the near future, we will be able to share even more information about the program and its further development, enabling an even wider group of athletes to achieve their dreams.