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Enter the Junior Grand Prix at one of four age groups for 2026-27 season
The Junior Grand Prix programme is open to teams in the following age groups:
- U18
- U16
- U15
- Volley 4 (U14 and below).
Below is an overview of each competition, together with the key entry deadlines.
U18 Grand Prix Series
The U18 Grand Prix Series will continue to build on the success of previous seasons.
Teams will begin the season using the final National Rankings from the 2025–26 season, with promotion and relegation taking place after each round, allowing teams to progress through the national rankings during the season
Competition format
- Five rounds of competition
- Entry capped at 64 teams
- Additional teams will be placed on a waiting list until sufficient numbers are reached to create another pool. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Competition structure
- Super Series, Gold, Silver and Bronze Pools for experienced teams competing nationally.
- Teams below the Bronze Pools will compete in regionalised National 2/3 Pools. National 2 winners will be promoted to the Bronze division, while the teams finishing third and fourth in Bronze will be relegated.
- The final round will feature a Super 6 format, with two pools of three teams followed by crossover semi-finals to determine the Cup Finalists.
- Teams finishing seventh to 14th will compete for the Gold Cup
- 15th to 22nd for the Silver Cup
- 23rd to 30th for the Bronze Cup
- 30th to 64th in National 2/3 pools.
Entry deadline: Monday 7th September (midnight).
U16 Grand Prix Series
Competition format
The U16 competition will consist of four rounds, split into Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 2 teams can either:
- enter the full series with one payment, or
- enter each Grand Prix individually, as in previous seasons.
- Entry is capped at 32 teams (for Tier 1).
- Any additional entries placed on a waiting list until another full pool can be created.
Competition structure
Tier 1
Designed for experienced teams wishing to compete nationally.
- Initial rankings will be based on U15 performances from the previous season.
- Round 1 will be played in regionalised pools before progressing into Gold, Silver and Bronze divisions.
- There will be no byes into Round 2 this season — every team will compete in Round 1.
- The final round will conclude with a Super 6 format, with teams outside the top six competing in Gold, Silver and Bronze Cup competitions (subject to entry numbers).
Entry deadline: Monday 28th September (midnight)
Tier 2
Tier 2 provides a more regionalised competition for developing teams, reducing travel while offering regular competitive opportunities.
Each Grand Prix is a standalone event and does not contribute towards National Ranking Points.
Grand Prix #1 entry deadline: Monday 28th September (midnight)
U15 Grand Prix Series
One of the strongest messages from last season's junior consultation was the desire for more regional U15 6v6 opportunities. In response, a new Tier 2 competition has been introduced alongside Tier 1.
Competition format
The U15 Tier 1 Grand Prix Series begins in January and consists of three rounds, concluding in March. As with U16 Tier 2, clubs can either:
- enter the complete series in one payment, or
- enter individual Grand Prix events.
- Entries for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 are capped at 32 teams
- Waiting lists will then operate on a first come, first served basis if required.
Entry deadline: Monday 23 November (midnight)
Volley 4 Grand Prix
The Volley 4 programme remains the first step on Volleyball England's national junior pathway.
Renaming this competition as Volley 4 aligns it with Volleyball England's player development pathway and coaching resources while giving clubs greater flexibility to group players by experience rather than simply by age.
Competition format
Four rounds of competition will begin in November, providing excellent opportunities for developing players before progressing into U15 competitions after Christmas.
Regions are also encouraged to continue offering local Volley 4 opportunities throughout the season to support player development alongside the national programme.
The competition is designed primarily for players aged U12 to U14 who are beginning their volleyball journey. Less experienced U15 players may also take part where their ability is appropriate for the standard of the event.
Players significantly above the average standard may be directed towards the U15 Tier 2 competition.
Grand Prix #1 entry deadline: Monday 21 September (midnight)
Hosting Opportunities
Every Junior Grand Prix relies on clubs volunteering to host events. Without such fantastic hosts, these competitions simply would not happen.
If your club is interested in hosting during the 2026-27 season, please complete the attached Hosting Junior Competitions form.
Hosting forms should be returned by Tuesday 1 September 2026.
Thank you in advance to every club considering hosting – Volleyball England genuinely appreciates your support.
Important Documents
If you have any questions about entries, eligibility, or the competition structure, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Club thanks
"Thank you to everyone who supported the competitions last season," said Richard Williams, Volleyball England's Project Lead for Junior Competitions and Events. "Your commitment as volunteers, coaches, officials, and hosts continues to make these opportunities possible for thousands of young players across the country.
"We look forward to welcoming both returning and new clubs to another exciting season of junior volleyball."
If you have any questions about entries, eligibility, or the competition structure, please don't hesitate to get in touch here.
