Filling the roster: British talent is the latest signing

IBB Polonia London is preparing for the upcoming season; another Champions League season. In order to improve the level and to represent itself and English Volleyball, the signings are thoroughly considered and strategically planned in order to give the highest chance of progressing deeper into the European competition.

Currently Matias Banda, a top class Chilean setter and Alvi Shurdhi, an Albanian International and player in the top Greek league have been attracted by The Club, as well as top level British players. Ryan Poole is the latest name to add to the list.

The receiver is young and very talented, having played between 2017-2021 in the USA under Head Coach Alan Knipe (ex USA National Team Head coach). Poole played in the NCAA for Long Beach State University where they achieved a number of titles. Before heading west to the USA, Poole began his playing career at local rivals Malory Eagles. Poole is one of the main receivers for the England National Team.

Previously Ryan’s brother Rob Poole played for IBB Polonia London in CEV competitions, but prior to that their father, Sean Poole, was also a top player for the same club. Consequently Ryan has been following the successes of his new club for many years. He is not hiding his excitement that he is joining a club with huge family history and will be part of helping to grow the sport in the UK and will compete in the most prestigious competition in Europe.

The 22 year old is the latest example of a young talented player that may influence the players within Pro Volley Academy, and will inspire young players to aim for senior volleyball positions and the chance to play internationally.

Ryan Poole is the second British player that is joining the London based team; recently Jack Williams a 21 year old opposite joined IBB Polonia London from Sheffield Hallam. The next names to join the 2021/2022 roster will appear shortly. the squad will start to work together and to hone their individual and combined skills as the first games approach. This season, the  domestic competition will restart following its suspension due to the pandemic. The main focus will be the third CEV Champions League season for the reigning English Champions. The first opponent will be Shakhtior Soligorsk from Belarus.

Player’s details:
Ryan Poole
Nationality: British
Age: 22
Position: outside hitter
Previous Club: Long Beach state
Instagram profile: @Ryan_poolie

“I am very excited to be joining Polonia and can’t wait to get started with the team. I feel as though the team has made huge strides in the last few years and wants to really make a statement by challenging in Europe. I hope that I can come in and help the team to achieve its goals and push the club forward. It is great that I am able to compete at the highest level with a team from England, my home. My family also has a history with the club, with both my brother and father playing on the team before me, I hope that I can replicate some of the success that they had whilst playing here.” – said Ryan Poole, new IBB Polonia London outside hitter.

“I can’t wait to get out on the court with my new teammates. I’m ready to work and I believe the club has organised a great preseason for us to be in the best possible shape to succeed in the European competitions this season. I followed the club closely last season and it was good to see them succeed but hopefully this year we will be able to push on further and really achieve something great with this group. Playing at the highest level in the Champions League has always been a goal of mine and I can’t wait to grind it out with the team and see how far we can go.”

“Playing in the NCAA was a fantastic experience for me, I was able to play and train with some of the best coaches and future Olympians in America. It helped me to grow as a person on and off the court, preparing me extremely well for my first pro contract. It helped to develop me as a leader, teammate, player and most importantly as a competitor. Playing out there helped me to realise that I want to play in the most important games of the season, I want the ball when it matters and I will give my all to the team every time I pull on the jersey. I believe I am now ready for the next step, to play in the CEV games and I will do my best to bring all the skills and attributes I have learnt to these games to help IBB Polonia make history in English volleyball.” – added Poole.

RYAN, welcome to IBB Polonia squad and good luck playing for us this season!

Pic. John Fajardo