18 Jun 2024
Super Series set for autumn lift-off
The top eight teams in the country will converge on the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering for five rounds of matches during the course of the 2024-25 season, all staged between early October and mid March.
It will see an extra round of competition – up from four rounds in 2023-24's Junior Grand Prix schedule – and will be contested as a knock-out format (note that other Grand Prix matches will continue as a round-robin series).
Promotion and relegation to the Super Series will see the bottom two clubs from the first round (seventh and eighth) swap places with the winners of Grand Prix 1’s Gold Pool.
VIDEO: Watch a trailer of what's in store with the Super Series.
VIDEO: Watch a presentation explaining the Super Series.
Subsequent Grand Prix (ahead of the final Last 8 round) will provide further opportunities for Gold Pool teams to earn Super Series spots.
All Super Series games will see a first referee appointed and games will be live streamed.
Footage will also be used to provide player and team statistics and games clipped into segments for analysis via the HUDL system, with Teams and Players of the Month selected.
Media photos of the matches will also be posted, along with social media clips.
The concept was unveiled at online meetings attended by existing clubs on Friday (14th June) and Monday (17th June).
“The Super Series will showcase some of England’s elite junior volleyball players, allowing them to develop in a competitive environment that is sure to produce some exciting and high quality play,” said Richard Williams, Volleyball England’s Junior Competitions Lead.
“With relegation to and promotion from the Gold Pools, teams will need consistency and teamwork to be successful, and the hope is that the competition will help drive up standards and further help develop the talent pathway.
“With every Super Series Grand Prix being live streamed, and the chance for teams to have statistics and analysis from their games, it should add an extra dimension to competition at the highest junior level and give coaches extra insight to help improve their players.”
“Overall, it is hoped the Super Series will help to inspire a new generation of players, parents and supporters to participate in National Junior Competitions as they continue to value the experience of playing in high quality and exciting matches.
The deadline for entries into the U18 Junior Grand Prix competition is Monday 2nd September 2024.
For more details, including if you are a new team wishing to enter, email competitions@volleyballengland.org.
Super Series competition dates
Super Series GP1, Sunday 6th October 2024.
Super Series GP2, Sunday 10th November 2024.
Super Series GP3, Sunday 8th December 2024.
Super Series GP4, Sunday 2nd February 2025.
Last 8 GP5, Saturday 15th March 2025.
