Volleyball England hosts first Connect With Your Board conversations 

The session was designed to strengthen connections between the national governing body and its members, while creating an open forum to discuss the future of the sport, shared challenges and opportunities for growth. 

The evening reflected a strong sense of optimism and collaboration, with participants united by a shared ambition to help volleyball reach its full potential across the country. 

Opening the session, Chair Rowena Hackwood outlined the purpose of the initiative: to improve engagement with clubs and members, hear directly from the volleyball community and ensure future priorities are shaped by the people delivering the sport every day. 

“What came through clearly during this session was the passion, commitment and ambition that exists across our volleyball community,” she said. 

“There is huge potential for our sport, but real progress will come from working together, listening to clubs, supporting volunteers and creating stronger connections between grassroots participation and the national game. 

These conversations are incredibly important because the future of volleyball in England should be shaped collectively by the people who give so much to the sport every day.” 

Throughout the discussion, one message remained consistent – volleyball in England has significant momentum, but long-term growth will depend on stronger connections between grassroots activity, schools, clubs and the national game. 

Building the Future Together 

Volleyball England CEO Charlie Ford shared insights highlighting the sport’s continued growth both globally and nationally, including increasing participation levels, rising engagement among young people and women and greater visibility through digital and social media platforms. 

The discussion explored the belief that volleyball could be entering a major growth period over the next decade, provided the right infrastructure, partnerships and pathways are developed to support that momentum.

“People, Places, Pathways” 

Participants talked about the importance of volunteers and qualified coaches and officials, the importance of a strategy that covered the whole country and that linked the grass roots with clubs, pathways and performance. 

CEO Charlie Ford described this as “People, Places and Pathways”. 

The framework focuses on: 

• People – supporting volunteers, coaches, referees and administrators  
• Places – developing facilities, clubs and community hubs  
• Pathways – creating clearer routes from participation to performance  

This concept became a central reference point across discussions on participation, workforce development and talent progression. 

Schools and Community Partnerships 

Participants agreed that schools and youth engagement will play a critical role in the sport’s future growth. 

Discussions focused on rebuilding links with schools, strengthening club-to-school pathways and increasing opportunities for young people to experience volleyball earlier in their sporting journeys. 

The session also highlighted ongoing partnerships with organisations including the Youth Sport Trust, Active Partnerships and School Games Organisers to support participation through structured school programmes. 

Supporting Volunteers and Coaches 

Volunteer recruitment and retention emerged as one of the most important topics of the evening. 

Club representatives highlighted the increasing pressures on volunteers, with many individuals taking on multiple responsibilities across coaching, administration and officiating. 

There was broad agreement on the need for: 

• clearer volunteer pathways  
• better support for club administrators  
• improved sharing of best practice  
• more accessible coaching opportunities and qualifications  

Attendees also discussed the importance of ensuring coaching pathways are affordable, flexible and tailored to the needs of volleyball. 

Looking Ahead 

The session concluded with attendees sharing their aspirations for the future of the sport, including: 

• volleyball becoming more visible in schools  
• stronger lifelong participation pathways  
• dedicated volleyball hubs and facilities  
• increased international competitiveness  
• stronger local volleyball communities  

The Connect With Your Board series will continue throughout the year as Volleyball England works collaboratively with the volleyball community to help shape the next chapter of the sport’s development.