The Game Plan - quarter three updates (from October to December 2024)

GET. KEEP. GROW   

 Connected and stronger regions, counties, clubs and stakeholders : 

Achievements:   

Supporting club networks through partnerships and resources  

•  A third Community of Practice session has been run for Regions and Counties that brought together 14 members from 12 Regions and Counties, focusing on revenue generation and attracting more partners.
• Club workshops have been delivered for affiliated clubs, themed on marketing strategies and dealing with increasing cost, with topics identified through feedback from the club survey. Details here. 

Ensuring the volleyball community feels valued and engaged  

•  A month-long campaign was run to coincide with Disability History Month to help create awareness around sitting volleyball, featuring case studies, videos and a resource pack.
• A collaboration with Buddle saw the creation of a volunteer video as part of efforts to recognise the hard work of volunteers. 
• The inaugural Player Community Seminar was staged across two nights during November with speakers including Madelein Meppelink OLY from the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, Olympic silver medallist Miriam Luke MBE and London 2012 captain Ben Pipes. The search is now underway for people to join the players’ community leadership group. 

Building and strengthening the relationship with Universities, Colleges and Regions 

•  An Inclusivity Workshop has been delivered for HEVOs, helping to ensure the sport continues to become more inclusive and makes everyone feel welcome.
• The London Volleyball Association has partnered with Volleyball England to set itself up on VolleyZone, with four other associations going through a similar process.

Enhanced Membership and servicing 

Coming up in Q4 (January, February and March):   

•  Results of the 2024-25 Club Survey that is to be launched just after Christmas.
•  The launch of the Annual Awards 2025. To nominate click here.
• Upcoming club workshops on Financial Planning and Income Generation, Legal Structures and Club Culture and Values. Book here.
• A university sitting volleyball tournament will be staged at UEL, with four teams to take part. 

VOLLEYBALL FOR LIFE (WORKFORCE)  

Building a diverse, inclusive and engaged volleyball workforce:   

Achievements:  

Make educational opportunities accessible to continue to improve the number of confident and competent coaches 

• Gerda Berstautaite, Lauren Tucker and Martin Rees become the first coaches to gain the Volleyball England Beach Coach Award, alongside 22 coaches who have completed the indoor Volleyball England Coach Award. 

Pathway Management and Development  

•  The People Plan, including the Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), was launched after extensive consultation and data collection. View them here.
• Steve Mathews has led E Scoresheet training for scorers and Technical Delegates ahead of the Five Nations Championships.
• Four new Technical Delegates have completed their training ready for deployment into National Competitions. 

  Make educational opportunities accessible to continue to improve the number of confident and competent referees   

Coming up in Q4 (January, February and March):   

VOLLEYBALL FOR LIFE (TALENT)  

Building a diverse, inclusive and engaged volleyball workforce and strong talent pathway  

Achievements: 

Develop a robust Beach Volleyball Pathway to create athletes with podium potential  

• The Bello brothers, Javier and Joaquin, won the Elite 16 event in Rio De Janeiro in November – the first time a British pair has won a major beach event – propelling them to a career-high 15th in the world. Read about it here. 

Implement the New Talent Plan with its focus on the key areas of coach development, athlete support, and improved competition profile  

• Researchers from Edge Hill University have conducted a study on the performance of England’s teams relative to NEVZA and World Championships-level competitors. 
• A Junior National Talent Camp was held in December. Alongside training sessions, the athletes received player development workshops on nutrition, psychology and anti-doping.
• Following on from the UK Volleyball Coaches Symposium, respected US coach Jim Stone shared his analysis of the England U17 and U19 teams’ play from October’s NEVZA Championships. 

Coming up in Q4 (January, February and March):   

• England Senior teams (men and women) to compete at the Five Nations Championships and Novotel Cup in early January. 
• Joel Branigan, the strength and conditioning lead at TASS, will be sharing his expertise with the volleyball community, attending the Futures Camp in February.
• The England U18 women’s squad will be attending an international training camp in Romania in February. 

 AN ACE SERVICE     

High quality domestic and international events:  

Achievements:

Maximise the impact of the talent strategy by hosting targeted international events    

Deliver the domestic major events focusing on player and spectator experience  

Professionalise the Super League  

Raise standards in the National Volleyball League  

Coming up in Q4 (January, February and March):   

 A RESPECTED AND VALUED NGB   

Achievements: 

Coming up in Q4 (January, February and March):   

•  Volleyball England’s Enviornmental Sustainability Plan will be presented to the Board.
• The Player Community Leadership Group will be confirmed.
• Budgets will be finalised and activity for the 2025-26 Operational Plan confirmed.
• The updated Volleyball England Concussion Policy will be published.