These relationships will have to be rebuilt after the lockdown. The lockdown has also slowed a few initiatives we had on the go with local schools and universities. What impact has COVID 19 had on the club? Our communication is mostly via parents and we haven’t really created a forum for the juniors to chat (mainly because we want to make sure that it is a safe space). We have not had lots of luck in keeping in touch with the juniors. Typically, it has been the squads with the most enthusiastic captains that have been the most engaged.

It has been difficult to keep some people engaged. Obviously, the girls are itching to train and play again. In four years, we have created a place that gives people a reason to stay in Leicester! But most importantly, we have created friendships. We have been East Midlands regional league champions, Division 3 North champions and our first team now plays in Division 2 North of the NVL. We now have over 50 members, with three teams and a growing junior section.

We started up because we felt there was a need for a women’s club in a city the size of Leicester and we have been overwhelmed with the response.

Leicester Athena has been running for 4 years.

Athena volleyball website