19 Jul 2024
Masters Volleyball partners with Volleyball England
This strategic collaboration falls under the Volleyball For Life framework, aiming to deliver high-quality events for players in England who are no longer participating in regular national, regional, or local competitions.
The partnership will also ensure that Masters Volleyball is aligned to Volleyball England’s clinical governance framework and VolleyZone system, enhancing player welfare and event registration respectively.
Alex Smith, Masters Volleyball Event Manager,said: “Since its inception, Masters has provided older players with the opportunity to dust off their kneepads, enjoy a fun social weekend, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones within the volleyball community.”
“For those who haven’t played volleyball for a long time, Masters events are less daunting than walking into a club and asking to play.”
This year’s competition will be hosted at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering from 6th to 8th September.
Alex hopes the partnership will increase awareness and attract more players from across the country.
She added: “We know there are many people who are unaware of our event, and we look forward to welcoming them into our volleyball family.”
Volleyball for Life Strategic Manager Gillian Harrison added, “This partnership is a fantastic way to keep volleyball players involved in the sport and foster new friendships.”
“The collaboration between Masters Volleyball and Volleyball England enables us to support Alex and the dedicated volunteers in creating great opportunities for those who no longer play regularly or want to reconnect with old friends.”
This year's event is expanding to include standing volleyball alongside the open tournament.
Standing volleyball offers a less physically demanding alternative while providing the same benefits and creating an inclusive space for all participants.
“This idea emerged from discussions with Gillian Harrison in her work on the Volleyball For Life initiative,” said Smith.
“We found that some players felt they couldn't compete with the younger 40-year-olds at the Masters tournament but still wanted to play at a gentler level if we could provide one.”
"With the introduction of standing volleyball at this year's competition, we hope to encourage participation from those who may not feel comfortable jumping" Gillian added.
Over the years, Masters volleyball has rekindled interest in playing, coaching, and refereeing among players who had taken a break from the sport, whether due to having children or other reasons.
One such player is Tash Chedgy, who returned to volleyball after having children and will be playing with Wessex in the Women’s Super League next season.
Tash also regularly coaches at Wessex both indoors and at their Beach Volleyball Development Centre. She noted that the Masters events allowed her to build relationships with other players and encouraged her to return to the sport without the fear of facing a 20-year-old’s jump serve.
Alex also hopes that the partnership with Volleyball England and increased support for the Masters events will inspire more local and frequent tournaments.
“Growth is my primary goal,” Alex said. “Currently, this is the only tournament planned. But with more support and encouragement, we aim to increase the number of tournaments, explore beach competitions, and extend the trial of standing volleyball after the pilot at the National Volleyball Centre in September.”
If you would like to get involved this year in the masters' event click here.
Signing up to the event will give you the option to choose between a single and shared room.
Questions about the competition can be directed to themastersvb@gmail.com
The event will take place between the 6th and 8th September with accommodation and food included in the price.
More information can be found via the Master’s website and Facebook page.
Players must be aged over 34 (women) and 40 (men) on 7th September 2024 to participate. (aligned with CEV competitions).
