Regional Junior Competitions Five-year Development Plan is released

It has been produced after gathering views from an advisory group made up of members of the Ace Service Sub-Group, Competitions Working Group, Junior Competitions Working Group, hub staff and invited experts.  

The vision aims to create a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable junior volleyball programme across the country.

Grounded in the LPV Development Framework and aligned with Volleyball England's The Game Plan 2020–2030 Strategic Plan, the strategy focuses on supporting every young athlete’s physical, technical, psychological, and social development.

“Junior volleyball is more than a route to elite performance it’s a platform for building confidence, teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong love of sport,” said Richard Williams, Volleyball England’s Project Lead (Junior Competitions and Events) for An Ace Service.

“Beyond competition, this vision is about building community and purpose. It empowers coaches, teacher’s, volunteers, parents, and players to work together toward a shared vision where junior volleyball is accessible, inspiring, and developmental for all.

“This is our opportunity to strengthen the foundation of our game and shape a brighter future for the next generation, where every young player feels seen, supported, and excited to grow.

“It also aims to deliver an operational plan objective to deliver a competition structure that engages, grows and retains people in the sport.”

The vision focuses on three priorities:  

• Connect and enable a national junior competitions pathway  

• Develop a consistent approach to the delivery of junior competitions  

• Building the junior infrastructure to be sustainable  

Among the proposals in the document is to create a junior stakeholder group to share best practice, introduce standards and implementation of the player pathway. 

There is also an intention to build closer working relationships with regions in order that they embrace the junior competition brand, adopting the Let’s Play Volleyball (LPV) Development Framework and to identify investment opportunities in venues and equipment to deliver an enhanced player pathway. 

It is suggested that these developments in infrastructure will activate the Competitions Pathway and give more young people access to participate in volleyball with a focus on an increase in registered coaches, officials, event organisers, young leaders and volunteers. 

Richard added: “I would encourage all members to read the five-year vision document in full because it not only outlines how we are looking to improve and develop the structure of the Regional Junior Competitions Pathway, but also the reasons behind each of the proposals.  

“With significant growth at the top of the junior pyramid since 2020, it is an ideal time to develop the grass roots of junior volleyball to grow the base of the pyramid and engage with the younger playing community.”  

Once views and suggestions from members have been collated, the vision will be further refined ahead of the next Volleyball England Board meeting in late October.  

You can view the five-year vision document by clicking here.  

To give your feedback on the vision, click here. 

The closing date for the receipt of feedback is Sunday 19th October.