Club Case Study: Haughton Volleyball Club

Volleyball England explores how the club has grown from a small school initiative into a thriving community that continues to inspire players across generations. 

How it all began 

Haughton Volleyball Club’s journey started in 1974, when PE teacher Jackson Sweeting began his first year of teaching at Haughton Comprehensive School. 

After introducing volleyball to his Year 11 students, Jackson started lunchtime and after-school sessions that quickly became popular. As the students prepared to leave school, they asked whether they could continue playing as a club, and so, in 1975, Haughton Volleyball Club was born. 

Supported by the school’s Youth Centre, sessions were held every Friday evening. Despite having no funding or transport, the group entered a local Tees Valley League and began competing.

“We had no money, no minibus, and very little knowledge of the rules,” Jackson recalls. “But the enthusiasm was there from the start.” 

Keen to develop his own knowledge, Jackson attended his first volleyball coaching course in 1976, a decision that helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most enduring clubs. 

Building success - on and off the court 

In the years that followed, Haughton VC established itself as a key part of the local sports community. The club achieved notable competitive success, with both the men’s and women’s teams reaching National League Division 2, and junior teams enjoying national recognition. 

Among the highlights was the club’s U16 Boys National Championship victory in 1989, which earned them the opportunity to represent England at the Schools World Championships in Turkey the following year. 

The club’s story is also one of personal connections and family legacy. Jackson’s daughters, Lauren and Lydia, joined the club at a young age and went on to play key roles both on and off the court.

Lauren continues to volunteer as club treasurer, while her two sons (Jackson’s grandsons) now play too, keeping the club’s spirit alive across three generations. 

Another standout story is that of Karl Richardson, a former pupil who began playing volleyball at Haughton despite being born with a prosthetic arm. Karl went on to represent Great Britain at the Paralympics, an achievement Jackson describes as one of his proudest moments. 

A club rooted in community 

From its early days with just a handful of players, Haughton VC has grown into a welcoming club offering volleyball to both juniors and adults, men and women.

Many members started at the school before moving on to university or careers elsewhere, yet still stay connected to the club and its community. 

“We’ve had players move around the world and still keep in touch,” says Jackson. “At our 50th anniversary, we had messages from past members in Australia and the USA.” 

The club’s 50th anniversary celebration brought together players past and present for a night of memories, with a photo slideshow showcasing five decades of activity, including images from the club’s much-loved White Rose outdoor tournaments, which there are hopes to revive in the near future. 

Looking to the future 

Now marking its 50th year, Haughton Volleyball Club remains committed to being inclusive, supportive, and community-driven. 

“I’m proud of how far we’ve come,” Jackson says. “The club has always been welcoming and friendly, and I hope it continues to thrive long into the future. I’ll always be around to help where I can.”

Find out more

To find out more about Haughton VC and the sessions it offers, view the club's Facebook page by clicking here.

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