New NVL team applications open for 2026-27

To do so, they will need to fill in the NVL New Team Application Form by clicking here. 

The submission will be used by Volleyball England’s Hub Staff and Competitions Working Group to assess the relative merit of all applications. \

Each will be judged against a set list of criteria in four key areas – People, Performance, Matchday Experience and Sustainability. 

People will consider things such as depth of support personnel, referees and Head Coach provision, while Performance will look at current competition standings, National Cup or Shield performance, players, training and player development. 

Included in the Matchday Experience will be the availability of a team’s playing facility, the venue specification, equipment, community following, live streaming and event production while in Sustainability, teams will be expected to evidence official documentation, their club committee, finances and long-term sustainability. 

Guidance for teams wanting to apply can be found here.

To complete the submission of your application a £100 Goodwill Deposit is required. This will be returned if the application is unsuccessful or upon exit from the leagues within timeframes indicated in NVL rules.  

New team applications close on 31st March 2026, and teams can expect to hear back regarding their application status by May 2025.