Fireball Beach Sports, in partnership with Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, Friends of Loxford, Volleyball England, local police, and coaches from various sports, celebrated the grand re-opening of their new beach sports venue in Loxford Park with a packed weekend of free activities for the community on April 14-16, 2023.
The venue that was built using the sand from London 2012 Olympic Games as part of its Legacy Programme was re-opened with attendees enjoying the opportunity to spectate exhibition games between national team athletes and take part in taster sessions in beach volleyball, beach football, beach handball, beach tennis, and more, providing London’s first beach multi-sports experience for all who participated.
Sam Dunbavin, Fireball founder, expressed his excitement about the opening of the new venue and its impact on the local community, saying,
“We are thrilled to open our new beach sports venue in Loxford Park and begin the journey to create a thriving hub for local residents to gather socially, to share the physical and mental benefits of taking part in alternative activities and provide a chance for many in the area to step onto sand for the first time in their lives. We have domestic and international events in the diary for the summer, training camps led by some of the best coaches in the UK planned, weekly sessions are starting shortly, and we are hoping to add much more over the coming months. There will be something for everybody.’’
Sam Dunbavin
Sam added:
“We are grateful for the support of our partners, staff and volunteers in making this venue a reality. This is just the beginning of the hard work ahead for us to get the venue packed all day and evening throughout the whole year. Forging relationships to open the venue to local schools, community centres, colleges, universities, clubs and businesses will be crucial in the next few months and we have appointed a full time London Venues Manager to help us realise this ambition. Let’s hope for lots of sunshine this summer to make our lives a bit easier!’’
Sam Dunbavin
Deputy CEO of Volleyball England Guin Batten, also present at the event, emphasised the importance of organisations like Fireball Beach Sports in engaging people in beach volleyball from local communities, saying,
“It is great to see the venue being reopened in our capital and to hear directly from the team on the vision for its success. Sam and the team are dedicated in promoting inclusive and accessible beach sports opportunities for all which is aligned to Volleyball England’s strategy, The Game Plan. A huge congratulations to Fireball Beach Sports for what they have achieved so far, and we look forward learning more about the transformative effects of their work in the local community and for volleyball.”
Guin Batten, Volleyball England Deputy CEO
For a list of sessions and events happening at the venue please sign up to our Fireball Loxford newsletter and to find out a bit more about Fireball Beach Sports visit https://fireballbeachvolleyball.com. The highlights from the weekend can be found on the Fireball Instagram and Facebook.
