NVL newcomers part eight – Red Eagles Luton 

Club Founded: 2015 

Social Media: @redeagles_volleyball_club (Instagram), facebook.com/RedEaglesVC (Facebook), youtube.com/@redeagles2019 (YouTube). 

Website: https://redeagles.pythonanywhere.com/ 

Head Coach: Krzyzstof Dabrowski

One man's vision has developed into a well-established Red Eagles Luton club that is soaring to new heights. 

This autumn will mark their debut in the NVL, but the Bedfordshire team first started out in the mid-2010s when founder and Head Coach Krzysztof Dabrowski moved to the town and brought with him a passion for volleyball. 

What started as a men’s only team of just eight players has since developed into a strong presence in grassroots volleyball in London and the south of the country. 

Red Eagles now fields multiple men’s and women’s team at the top end of the Hertfordshire League, and continues to strengthen its coaching structure and general standards year on year. 

Now they are preparing to take flight on the national stage for the first time – and are very much relishing that prospect. 

"What the team is most looking forward to is testing themselves consistently against some of the strongest teams and players in the country as part of their first season in the National Volleyball League," said Anitha Srinivasan, Red Eagles' Club administrator and Secretary. 

"After two consecutive league titles playing regionally and strong performances against established NVL opposition, the team is excited to take the next step and compete at a higher level on a regular basis. 

"The squad is particularly looking forward to the challenge and intensity that the NVL brings, as well as the opportunity to continue developing both individually and collectively. The team believes the experience will help players raise their standards further, improve consistency, and gain valuable exposure against high-quality opposition from across the country. 

"Another major motivation for the club is the opportunity to continue building the club’s reputation. The players and coaching staff are excited to create new rivalries, travel to new venues, and experience the competitive atmosphere that comes with NVL volleyball. 

"Most importantly, the team is looking forward to proving that the success achieved over the past few seasons was no coincidence. After back-to-back league championships, a knockout cup final appearance, and notable wins against NVL-calibre teams, the squad is eager to show that they can compete strongly at NVL level and continue progressing as a club." 

Red Eagles' latest title success in 2025-26 underlined their feeling that they are ready to mix it at national level. 

Playing in the Hertfordshire Volleyball League Division 1, which featured 10 competitive teams, Red Eagles proudly finished top of the plie on the back of an exceptional campaign. 

It backed up their championship win 12 months previously and underlined their continued strength in their local area. 

Alongside that, they also beat NVL team MK City and other well-respected sides Wycombe and Watford. 

They are now one of three new sides – Brazukas and London Lynx are the others – joining NVL Division 3 South East that also includes Essex Estonians, Chelmsford, Newmarket 2, Guildford International and London Wildcats. 

Anitha added: "Securing the league championship for the second consecutive season firmly established us as one of the strongest and most consistent teams in the region. The team performed at a very high level throughout the season, demonstrating excellent consistency, depth, and resilience. 

"We produced strong results both home and away while maintaining a high win percentage across the season. The style of play was built around disciplined defence, fast transitions, and an effective attacking system that allowed them to dominate many matches and compete confidently against strong opposition. 

"In addition to winning the league title, the team also reached the final of the knockout cup competition, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure in both league and cup formats. 

"We believe these results reflected the squad’s competitiveness and showed that the team is capable of performing against clubs already operating at NVL level. 

"The team displayed strong chemistry, professionalism, and commitment throughout the campaign, with players consistently improving and contributing in key moments. It demonstrated their quality, competitiveness, and readiness to transition successfully into NVL competition. 

"Now our main ambition in our first season in the National Volleyball League is to establish ourselves as a competitive and respected team at this level. We aim to consistently compete in every match, secure as many wins as possible, and finish as high up the table as we can while continuing to develop as a squad." 

While the strength of the squad as a whole will be key for the Red Eagles, two key players are expected to play a major role in the upcoming NVL season. 

Andrejs Solovjovs and Vykunth Hari, both of whom bring high-level experience, consistency, and leadership to the squad and are tipped to lead from the front in the team's opening triangular against Chelmsford and Brazukas at Houstone School on Sunday 4th October. 

"Outside attacker Andrejs Solovjovs (Outside Attacker) continued to be one of the standout players in the Hertfordshire League last season, finished as the second-highest MVP award recipient during the 2025-26 season after being the league’s highest MVP award winner in 2024–25," said Anitha. 

"He will be a crucial presence in both attack and reception and is known for his strong all-round game. Andrejs provides stability in serve receive while also being a reliable scoring option in high-pressure moments. 

"His work rate, tactical awareness, and ability to adapt to different game situations make him a key player in both offensive and defensive phases. 

"Vykunth Hari is our setter, and he plays a crucial role in controlling the tempo of the game and bringing out the best in our attackers. 

"His ability to read the game, make quick decisions and create opportunities under pressure will be especially important as we step up our competition in the NVL. 

"Beyond his technical ability, his calmness and leadership on court make him a player we will rely on throughout the season." 

Built on a love for volleyball, commitment, and community spirit, the club continues to steadily develop one of the region’s fastest growing competitive volleyball programmes.  

Over the years, the club has expanded significantly, attracting talented players from diverse backgrounds and creating a welcoming environment focused on player development, teamwork, and long-term progression and what started as a single recreational side is now a thriving volleyball community of more than 75 dedicated athletes. 

The club fields four competitive teams in the Hertfordshire League and aims to continue developing local talent, competing at a higher level, and promoting volleyball within the wider community. 

Helping with this has been a range of activities that support both development and community engagement, including organising social play sessions in local parks. 

During the summer period, the club also takes part in beach volleyball sessions, which help players develop their technical skills, adaptability, and overall fitness in a different playing environment. 

Anitha said: "After years of steady growth within regional volleyball, we believe the club is ready to take the next step and challenge itself in a more competitive environment. 

"We see NVL participation as an opportunity to inspire more people locally to get involved in volleyball and to build a sustainable pathway for current and future players." 

Find out more about the NVL by clicking here.