From Czech Courts to Global Impact: Jitka’s Journey with Volleyball
- Anastasia Kinoshita Chrysidou
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
A story of coaching, community and building sustainable impact through volleyball and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying
Volleyball has a way of staying with people. For Jitka Lopez, it became more than a sport. It became a constant thread connecting countries, communities and eventually, her work with Let's Keep the Ball Flying (LKTBF).
From grassroots courts in the Czech Republic to leading global volunteer teams within LKTBF, her journey shows how volleyball can shape lives, open doors and create long-term impact far beyond the game.
Early roots: discovering volleyball in the Czech Republic
Jitka’s volleyball story began at the age of 11, when a school friend invited her to join a local women’s team in the Czech Republic. At the time, volleyball was popular, accessible and affordable - an easy way to stay active and make friends.
She stayed not for competition alone, but for the consistent training pattern, the challenge of improving together and the simple joy of a non-contact sport that could be played almost anywhere.
Those early years laid the foundation for a lifelong connection to the sport.
Volleyball as a bridge to life in the UK
When Jitka moved to the UK for university, volleyball became her anchor. In an unfamiliar country the court offered familiarity, helped her build friendships and find a sense of belonging during a period of major transition.
What began as a familiar comfort soon developed into something more. Jitka moved into volunteering and coaching with York Volleyball Club and University of York Volleyball Club, driven by a desire to give back to the sport that had given her so much.
During her time at the university, she volunteered in Go SpIke sessions for the wider community, co-founded and coached a sitting volleyball club and delivered afternoon sessions to young people through an after-school programme. These experiences shaped her into a versatile coach, comfortable working across different settings, abilities and age groups.
She went on to earn the highest domestic indoor coaching qualification and international beach volleyball certifications, with a current focus on supporting female athletes and widening access where opportunities are often limited.
Building a legacy on England’s east coast
Jitka’s commitment to grassroots volleyball deepened when she co-founded Skyball Beach Volleyball Club in Bridlington, a small town on England’s east coast in 2018. What started as a local initiative grew into a vibrant community hub for young athletes.
The club now delivers training programmes, development camps and competitive opportunities, hosting events such as the UK Beach Tour, NEVZA competitions and most recently the FIVB Beach Volleyball Pro Tour Futures, in collaboration with Volleyball England,
A major milestone came when Jitka was selected for the coaching team of the England Under 20 Women’s Beach Volleyball programme. The role reinforced an important belief: professional playing background is not the only path to impact. Passion, knowledge and care for the sport can shape the talent pathway and support the next generation just as powerfully.
A turning point: finding LKTBF
In April 2024, Jitka reached a crossroads after leaving her role at a large marketing agency. She was looking for a way to use her professional skills for something more meaningful.
While coaching at the Deep Dish Beach Volleyball Camp, she met Lesley de Jonge, founder of LKTBF, who was there sharing the charity’s mission and fundraising through the game. What began as a conversation on the sand quickly turned into a shared understanding of sport as a tool for social impact.
The timing felt right. Volleyball, purpose and global community aligned - and a new chapter began.
Leading with sustainability at LKTBF
Today, Jitka is an integral member of the LKTBF team, serving as volunteer Head of Marketing, where she is known within the organisation as the Captain of Inspiration. She brings together her marketing, operational and leadership experience to guide a global volunteer team and strengthen LKTBF’s digital presence.
While she is proud of LKTBF’s work supporting refugees, children and underserved volleyball communities worldwide, her strongest passion lies in sustainable sport development.
This is why her favourite LKTBF programme is GURU. Jitka believes that empowering local coaches and leaders through education and shared resources is the most effective way to ensure long-term impact. When coaches are supported, volleyball communities continue to thrive long after any single project ends.
For Jitka, keeping the ball flying means building systems that last - and helping others do the same.
Inspired by Jitka’s journey?
Volunteering with LKTBF is about more than giving time. It’s about building programmes that last.
Whether you bring coaching, marketing, operations or organisational skills, there’s a place for you in LKTBF's global volleyball community.
