The new Head Coach at IBB Polonia

The new coach of the reigning Champions of England has been appointed: Grzegorz Niski. The ex-player and youth coach with many years of experience has returned to the London team after a break of a few years. He has taken the place of the Greek coach – Vangelis Koutouleas.

Following two and a half years of dedication to The Club, Vangelis Koutouleas decided to leave IBB Polonia London. Following the news a vacancy arose which was filled by Grzegorz Niski; a long standing player and associate of The Club. He will take the role of Head Coach for the second half of the season and will also take charge of the Pro Volley Academy.

Niski is an ex-player and volleyball coach. Niski finished his playing career in 2014 and following that was coaching children who were associated with The Club. Over the last few years Niski has coached volleyball and football in a variety of settings, but has always remained involved in the sport. He returned to IBB Polonia London in September 2021 to help with the Pro Volley Academy while the main squad and coaches were based in Belchatow; Poland. He has started the role with great enthusiasm and the young players have found him engaging and have developed an excellent relationship with him. He makes use, not only of his professional career, but also his qualifications as a sports teacher in Poland. Head Coach is a new role for Niski, but he is optimistic, as always. He has many ideas and is motivated to extract the very best from the team. Taking into account, that one of the aims for 2021/22 is the development of the youth aspect of The Club via Pro Volley Academy, Niski is the ideal person to take over this important role.

Niski has been involved, by the side of Koutouleas from the start of the season on the bench, and observed the style and tactics employed by his predecessor. He knows the reality of volleyball in England and as a result has taken on the role confidently and with ease. He approaches everything enthusiastically and is ready for the challenges that face both him and the team in the new year. From January 2022, youth competitions begin in the form of the Junior Grand Prix, the Super League, the National Cup and the London League.

“I started my adventures a number of years ago at IBB Polonia London and have always been at hand. Even back when I stopped playing, about eight years ago, I always tried to help my beloved team when possible, and will relish this responsibility. I am overjoyed to be back as part of IBB Polonia, and this has all happened very quickly. Four months ago, I started working at Pro Volley Academy as a substitute coach, and now I am honoured to be there Head Coach of the first team. The owner of IBB Polonia, and the Directors, made the decision about the change in the system in the leadership of the first team and now we will concentrate on building the squad with our talented young players at its heart. My aim is to complete the season with our youth as our core; those who train at the Academy. Our young players are very talented, and so I want the boys to play, not only in the senior squad, but also against their rivals and that they win the under 18 Championship of England” said Grzegorz „Greg” Niski: the new Head Coach of IBB Polonia London.

„I am so pleased to welcome Grzegorz back to our club” said Bartek Łuszcz; CEO of IBB Polonia London. „This all took place in September 2021; it started when he joined the Pro Volley Academy. This season, we will be using our youngsters in our matches, and so I believe that he is the best person for the job, to continue the partnership between the Academy and the senior team and to help guide and develop our young athletes towards their volleyball dreams. It is fantastic that he knows the players well already with whom he will be working over the next few months. Greg is a totally reliable person who is well organised and passionate about all he does. He has dedicated many years to IBB Polonia London as a setter.  Now we welcome him officially on our bench. We all keep our fingers crossed for him in his new role and we wish him lots of luck.”