IBB Polonia London is playing in the Champions’ League

In the coming season IBB Polonia London will welcome Champions’ League volleyball to London. Only very recently, it was announced that the British club will play in this prestigious event. The current Champions of England will join the volleyball elite and compete against the very top teams from Europe. The decision to enter was founded on the basis of promoting volleyball and the club and challenging against the highest level of competition.

“For us, taking placing in the Champions’ League is a chance to measure ourselves against the very best from every single aspect including marketing and organisation. Of course, also from a sporting point of view. The results are very important for us. For several years we have been developing the team, and we knew that one day we would want to take part in this  event. This is the next step for us – to evolve and to learn. This is the next level and this will let us become a better team from many aspects.” commented IBB Polonia London Chairman, Bartel Łuszcz.

IBB Polonia London found out their first opponent in the Champions’ League on the 26th June after the choosing of lots in Luxemburg: the Croatian team Mladost ZAGREB. The first match will be in the Mediterranean, and then the Balkan team will be hosted in London. This will not be Zagreb’s first outing in the Champions’ League. They played in this competition last year, however they did not succeed in making it to the second round.

“I really wanted to play the team from Lisbon, but it didn’t happen, however I am still optimistic. Our aim for this season is to make it into the second round. We would like to win both legs in the first round. The absolute pinnacle would be to make it into the group phase.” said Łuszcz.

The British team are aware they are the newest in the event, with the least experience. For this reason the sport result is carefully considered and are aware that winning the competition is not likely. The organisational aspect is key: it is known at this stage, that the Croatians will be playing in London at the Olympic Copper Box which seats 6000 spectators. To fill the venue is a huge challenge for The Club.

“It is very important to show Britain volleyball at the highest level. We have stated our sporting aim as well as organisational aims. The technical parameters dictate the Olympic venue: the biggest available in London – Copper Box Arena. We would love to fill every other seat. We aim to show the best level of volleyball and we hope to attract all the volleyball fans through every avenue possible. In the past we sold out Crystal Palace, and so have proved this is possible. For this reason I believe we can do it.” added Łuszcz

IBB Polonia London isn’t jumping in at the deep end. Over the past few seasons international experience has been gathered. Season 2016/17 was the beginning in the Challenge Cup and succeeded in making history by playing in the 1/8th round. Two years later the first European trophy was won at the NEVZA event. Appearing on international stages has been made possible by the support of the strategic sponsor IBB Builders Merchants.

All details of IBB Polonia London’s matches will become available on their website and also on social media

The CEV Champions League is the most prestigious event organised by the CEV that is competed for by the top teams in Europe. In the upcoming season IBB Polonia London will be debuting in this event and will compete alongside the teams from the strongest leagues, such as the Italian League (TRENTINO Itas, Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA, Sir Colussi Sicoma PERUGIA); Russian (Fakel NOVY URENGOY, Kuzbass KEMEROVO, Zenit KAZAN). The CEV website will have the latest information relating to this event.

Pic. IBB Polonia