HEVO Conference 2023

Students took part in a range of sessions with the aim of organising and promoting their own event for their university.

They began with how to keep new players engaged in a session and how to cater for more advanced players without intimidating new players.

The students then split into groups to identify the characteristics of a successful HEVO.

This included what issues may arise as an event organiser, such as making sure players are engaged and safe and understanding the task they have been asked to complete.

By breaking out into small groups students had the opportunity to focus on one area of the sessions they would be running.

Warm-ups, sequences to get players used to the terminology of volleyball and matchplay examples while rotating players were also featured.

After reflecting on what could be improved and what worked well in the sessions, students prepared for a UV Volleyball tournament, which the senior HEVO team had organised.

This allowed them to take part in an example social event, which can be used to encourage new players to come along in a different environment and see volleyball in a different light.

On the second day of the conference, the HEVO programme offered opportunities for beach volleyball sessions, as well as sitting volleyball sessions.

These demonstrated how HEVOs to cater for students of all abilities, and give them knowledge of how to overcome challenges which can be faced when designing and organising events.

Jake Sheaf, Volleyball England’s B2022 Legacy Consultant and UK Beach Tour director, visited the beach courts at the NVC, with students taking part in a mock tournament.

It showcased how a large number of participants can take part in a session while still having a lot of contact time.

Josh Joseph-Iyanda – who is beginning his second year as a senior HEVO and his fourth in the HEVO programme – spoke about how ‘it is a great opportunity for students to connect and network’.

He explained how the programme offers opportunities for joint university tournaments, as well as players from all over the country to speak with like-minded people all over the country. 

Laura Allcoat, Volleyball England’s Strategic Manager for Get, Keep, Grow said at the conclusion of the event: “The HEVO Conference had been a great success with a large number of students from different universities taking part in two days of development programmes.

“We hope the HEVOs in attendance have learnt new skills which will support them in the running and development of their recreational sessions.”

If you want to become a HEVO more information can be found here.