Wessex and Giants face Durham tests as Opening Weekend fixtures announced

The South Coast club and capital side will both take on the Durham Palatinates – who won the respective women’s and men’s competitions last season – as the new 2024-25 season starts in spectacular style on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October. 

Their matches are two of 10 that will be played across the weekend at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering, with all 20 Super League sides across both genders coming together for the opening round of fixtures.  

Last season’s MAAREE Women’s Super League/NVL Division 1 Play-off winners London Lionhearts, now Lionhearts Vinarius, will open up against Cambridge ARU, while 2023-24 Final 4 runners-up, Team SideOut Polonia, will go up against Darkstar Derbyshire. 

In the men’s competition, the other team promoted to the Men’s Super League this season, NVL Division 1 winners Essex Blaze, start with a match against the University of Nottingham and Final 4 runners-up IBB Polonia have an intriguing match against Essex Rebels. 

“Last season’s inaugural Opening Weekend was really well received by the clubs and spectators who attended and we’re looking forward to another brilliant two days of action to get the new season off to a flying start,” said Strategic Manager for An Ace Service, Rob Payne. 

“As we look to step up our coverage of the Super League, this will be our first chance of 2024-25 to highlight the best teams and players in the country and show exactly what is in store over the course of another exciting season.  

Spectators are welcome to attend the event, with full ticket details for the event will be released shortly. 

All matches will be live streamed on Volleyball England’s YouTube Channel and feature live commentary, graphics and action replays. 

Follow all the action in the 2024-25 on the Volleyball England Super League page by clicking here.

Full Opening Weekend fixtures and times 

Saturday (men) 

10.30am - University of Nottingham v Essex Blaze. 

12.30pm - Essex Rebels v IBB Polonia London. 

14.30pm -  Richmond Docklands v Stockport.

16.30pm - London Giants v Durham Palatinates. 

18.30pm - Malory Eagles UEL v Team Sunderland.

Sunday (women) 

10.30am - Lionhearts Vinarius v Cambridge ARU. 

12.30pm - Darkstar Derbyshire v Team SideOut Polonia. 

14:30pm - Wessex v Durham Palatinates.  

16.30pm - Essex Rebels v Leeds Gorse. 

18.30pm - Malory Eagles v University of Nottingham.