High-flying Eagles earn North Yorkshire Sport award

Head Coach Anthony Laffan said: “Everybody associated with the club is delighted to be given this award. I have been very impressed with the students from Scarborough College and Scarborough Campus who have been so open to participating in our community volleyball sessions. Watching people of all ages and abilities mix in and have fun playing volleyball is a delight.

“I have to give a huge thanks to Jane Ratcliffe, our North Yorkshire Sport officer, who has given the club so much support; her advice has been invaluable. Linking with North Yorkshire Sport has transformed the club for the better.”

Ratcliffe, Satellite Club Lead at North Yorkshire Sport, said: “North Riding Eagles really demonstrate the inclusivity of a satellite club. They saw an area that had little access to their sport and engaged with the community. The club is a great example of how sport brings people together.”

Eagles set up their satellite club in order to engage with 11 to 25-year-olds. The flexible club doesn’t enforce attendance and allows members to join at their will which means that people are more likely to get involved.

The club’s “Volleyball for All” motto helped establish a programme for both able and disabled young people.

Satellite clubs provide a stepping stone to a community club through the creation of relevant, appealing and convenient sporting opportunities for young people.

On court the Eagles are joint-leaders with Birmingham in the Volleyball England National League Division Two.

This weekend sees a tough trip to Newcastle Staffordshire, who are right behind North Riding in the league and once again will want to teach the Eagles a volleyball lesson.

The Staffordshire club is considered volleyball royalty having won an impressive 21 national titles in their long and rich history.

While the Eagles face this tough fixture Birmingham play bottom-placed Derby, so this weekend’s results could determine if North Riding can maintain a title challenge or see their hopes fade away.

The Eagles travel without key players Catherine Laffan and Nicki McClure and are looking to local players to step up and provide cover.

If you fancy learning volleyball, playing socially or at National League level contact the club on Facebook or pop along on a Tuesday to the community training on the Scarborough Campus site 6.30pm-8.30pm