Lee Sangeun – ‘Laying a solid foundation and taking small steps can help grow the sport in the long term’

Earlier this month, Lee Sangeun had the opportunity to address a large number of coaches and PE teachers working at the entry level of the game and to share her unique experience in setting up ‘The Dream League’ in her native Korea, whereby she has immensely contributed to the growth and promotion of women’s ice hockey across the country – as well as to a change in the perception of the game and the role of female coaches. In a separate chat, she could further elaborate on her experience and identify what lessons could apply to Volleyball as well, especially in countries where this is not yet a mainstream sport.  

Lee stressed that in Korea women’s ice hockey did not have any real foundation at the grassroots level and truly was a niche sport – with activities mostly if not only revolving around matches played by the national team: “This means that we had to introduce people to the sport, work on accessibility, and allow children to experience the fun side of the game. The professional side of the sport can only grow and develop if you lay a solid foundation at an amateur level, even just as a recreational activity,” she says. “Accessibility was a major factor as well, since ice hockey is regarded as an expensive and primarily male sport – so we did work with other teams to provide us with gear, uniforms, and help us even with ice time so that we would not involve only those kids who could afford it financially.”

With the establishment of The Dream League, the number of players increased from 100 to 250 in two years only. At the same time, Lee did work on involving female coaches and officials as well. “We have come to realise that female coaches showed the ability to establish a good and very productive interaction with young female players. Obviously, they would need to possess the right technical skills as well – however soft skills were just as important, especially when it comes to the ability to provide and convey individual feedback. Any feedback shall help the players further develop and not discourage or demotivate them, because at the end of the day, we want to retain as many as possible, grow the numbers and make sure our actions have a long-lasting legacy,” Lee recounts. 

This would certainly well apply to coaches and teachers working on the ground to deliver the CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’ as well. “Volleyball, as much as ice hockey, is a team sport. There are many similarities in terms of the technical and physical skills required to play each sport, which could be regarded as quite demanding. However, to grow the game, we shall not work solely with those with the ideal genetics. We shall make space and time for everyone to play and enjoy the game and to develop their skills by breaking goals down and focusing on a long-term perspective. What we did in ice hockey was to divide people into different groups, so that they would all find themselves at a level that would match their actual skills and in an environment that would stimulate their further development at the same time,” she says. 

The involvement of parents / families is an important aspect as well. “Sometimes we seem to regard the team as a group including the players only, and maybe the coaching staff too. However, officials, managers, families, and parents shall be considered as key members of the team as well. They all shall feel involved, share the same values and goals – and know that work is ongoing to provide a safe environment where we can bring out the absolute best in each player and kid. I think this helps create team spirit and ensures a long-term growth of any such project,” Lee continues. 

Sport can help build bridges – which are so much needed especially at times where society is very much divided along various lines. Lee knows this very well from her own experience. “Back in 2018, a unified Korean team including players from North and South Korea played at the PyeongChang Olympics. Even though sport cannot change the world of geopolitics, this action did show that people from very diverse backgrounds can come together and play as a team for a common purpose and goal. This is what inclusivity is all about: ice hockey has become a tool to help integrate kids also from underprivileged communities, foreigners, or even people with disabilities. Sport can help us promote peace, but most of all the key Olympic values of respect, excellence, and friendship,” she adds. 

In many ways, Lee’s work with ice hockey shall resonate with those working at the entry level of the volleyball game across Europe. “Our perspectives in terms of growth and development obviously have to deal with many factors, such as participation numbers, infrastructure, technical skills. What is most important is to understand that you cannot change the world overnight. While we shall define ambitious goals, we should take small, baby steps towards their achievement, working as one and by providing the right opportunities for all,” she stresses. Breaking the ice is sometimes difficult, but someone has to take the plunge to initiate change and development!