Jake Spaul

Sports Award

Age:

19

Biography

My dodgeball journey started 9 years ago when I wanted to make it part of my life; so I started training with Enderby Junior Dodgeball club. The next 8 years saw me compete in the different junior age group where as a team we collected a few medals and trophies.

The 2019/20 session saw me compete in U16 and also Men's to get a feel for my future. As a junior club it was nice that they didn't want to let their junior members down so progressed into adult dodgeball. Unfortunately, this was the season that got interrupted.

During lockdown the club became South West Leicestershire Dodgeball Academy to incorporate Enderby Junior Dodgeball Club but also Leicester Predator's Mens dodgeball team and Leicester White Tigers dodgeball team. These teams are made up of junior players too old to play in juniors, coaches and others players wanting to get into the sport.

2021/22 saw Leicester Mens Predators team compete in their first full session where we finished second in League 3. We move up to League 2 next season.

With the progression into men's dodgeball I also wanted to give back to the club and the current junior members; so I completed my Level 2 British Dodgeball Coaching course as well as the British Dodgeball Referee course. I have helped out this season with coaching at training sessions covering each age group and have also attended the Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer league meets. Where some of our teams have come away with medals and U15s predators National Champions!

Before starting the new season this October in both junior & adult leagues I would like to progress further with my coaching ability and continue to give back to a sport I really enjoy. So I will be attending the British Dodgeball Level 3 coaching course. With this I will not only be able to support the dodgeball club but also progress into the world of University Dodgeball during the next stage of my education.

I am really grateful to the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust for supporting me with my training, as this means the academy can spend money on equipment to aid the club with training the members rather than my training.