All nations background

What's it about?

Players from all over England register to play for your country in London. You don't need to find a team, we will make up a team from your fellow countrymen and countrywomen living or working in London

This 4 day tournament will be a spectacle of quality volleyball played in a fun environment, and in the heart of the East End in one of the 5 host Olympic boroughs Tower Hamlets. Last year we had entrants from 38 different countries, playing in excess of 70 matches. The venue Bethnal Green Sports and Performing Arts Centre, Gosset st E2, boasts 3 volleyball courts and seating for 200.

If you entered last year and enjoyed the tournament, book again; if you missed out last year book early. We are looking for players, coaches, referees and team sponsors.

Training/team selection day: 18th April (team times TBC)
Preliminary Rounds: 9th / 10th May 2009
Finals Weekend: 16th / 17th May 2009
Venue: Bethnal Green Technology College
Total Participants in 2008: Total = 260 Male = 156 Female = 104
(Participants had an age range of 16-50, covering 38 nationalities and 6 religions)

Description

The All Nations began in 2005, ahead of London being awarded the 2012 games. It was created to embody the Olympic ideal, competition, world togetherness and taking part. We aim to promote peaceful competition in a friendly, fun environment highlighting the cultural togetherness that is so evident in London. A tournament organising committee was formed that wanted to create an event that captured the eclectic mix of communities that can be found in London and provide a way of promoting the diversity of the city.

The organising committee is reflective of the tournament itself and involves people young and old from right across the community. The committee work voluntarily through out the year to engage and encourage participation in the tournament from as many different backgrounds to provide as many different promotions of culture as possible. The underpinning focus of the tournament is the opportunity to play in a competitive Volleyball tournament that off the court raises awareness of culture and encourages friendship and inclusion with all.

The tournament takes place over two weekends at a central venue with teams competing in a round robin and knock out format to eventually decide the overall winners. Each team in the competition represents a different world nation and is dressed in the colours of that country. Each team is of mixed ability and is able to get plenty of time on court in the early rounds to enjoy playing Volleyball in a competitive environment against team mates, friends, and colleagues. The best teams progress to the later rounds and have a chance to crown their adopted country champions of the All Nations Tournament.

History

At the first All Nations Tournament in 2005 170 participants from 24 nationalities took part, in three years this figure has grown to 260 participants from 38 nationalities making the tournament not only a highlight of the London Volleyball Calendar but also a massive community spectacle and example of good practice for sport in London as a whole going into the 2012 Olympiad. Sport traditionally brings people together, mixing and sharing ideas and we aim to stay true to this

Impact of event

More than 260 players representing more than 38 different countries took part in last year�s tournament. This year we expect the numbers of players, coaches, scorers and other personnel to increase. Participation at the tournament has proved to be an invaluable training ground for referees (who are upgraded), scorers (who are in short supply), and for coaches and general administrators. Any unattached players are guided to an appropriate level club in their area. People who have volunteered have often gone on to gain employment whether it be as sessional coaching, club coaching, paid refereeing, or admin jobs.

Aims and Objectives

The All Nations Tournament is an opportunity to engage all the international communities of London in a sporting event to promote equity, opportunity, friendship and the truly global appeal of Volleyball.

The tournament has several key features:

• Individuals enter to represent their country of birth or join a team representing a group of countries from their region
• Food on sale from around the world.
• Music and arts from around the world encouraged.
• Community groups engaged and invited to attend.
• Spectators, visitors and players free to mingle and meet through out the whole tournament.
• Local businesses from all areas of the community invited to support and attend the event.

Good Practice

The All Nations Tournament is a fantastic model of how community ownership and involvement in a sporting event can help achieve cross cutting targets around participation, health benefits and social exclusion. The organising committee will expand the competitions for 2009 to include Basketball, Badminton, Female Football and Table Tennis to create an event that accesses an even wider community audience.

Outstanding examples of good practice in the All Nations tournament include:

• An organising committee that truly reflects the make up of the community and target audience of the tournament.
• Approaching and involving local businesses for sponsorship and expertise.
• In three years the tournament has grown from 170 participants to 260 representing 38 nationalities and 6 major world religions.(2008)
• Attracting significant sponsorship to be able to deliver a quality tournament that meets key aims within participation, health and social exclusion.

Lessons Learned

As with any event organisation each year is a learning experience with new ways to make the tournament bigger and better for the next. The All Nations organising committee has been able to effectively and quickly overcome issues such as:

• Making the tournament venue open and accessible to all participants, spectators and guests. The committee found that having an open environment where people could move freely and communicate was essential for the success and development of the tournament ideal. This does however take good management and organisation of court and tournament staff to ensure everyone gets maximum enjoyment out of the tournament.
• We believe that everyone should have the chance to participate in an international event. Sport is not just about competition and exercise, but also involves having a good time and making long lasting friendships. The event regulates social behaviour and creates a feeling of belonging which in turn leads to stronger communities and cultural awareness.
• The project links individuals with their communities, encourages continued relationships by offering ongoing support and advice. We work closely with the governing bodies of sport both at a regional and national level to promote the sport in all its forms to as wide a group as possible. The tournament has a very local feel to it, involving the community, both children and adults. Dialogue begins way in advance of the event with players, coaches, referees and volunteers developing the strategies for future tournaments.
• We have set up successful collaborations, between the voluntary and public sector and feel that this is the only way to ensure success and longevity.