Celebrating 15 years of the HEVO Programme

It continues to go from strength to strength as Volleyball England prepares for its 16th year of supporting student volleyball development across the country. 

Since launching in 2011, the programme has become a key part of the higher education of volleyball landscape, enabling universities to provide more opportunities for students to play, compete, officiate and volunteer within the sport. Over the past 15 years, more than 833 HEVOs have helped engage over 53,000 participants nationwide. 

The programme - which works in partnership with universities across England and Wales - allows student volunteers to lead recreational volleyball activity at their institution while gaining valuable leadership, coaching and event management experience. 

For the 2025-26 academic year alone, 46 HEVOs helped deliver more than 75 mass participation sessions, reaching over 5,000 participants through recreational volleyball opportunities. 

Universities from across the country have taken part in the initiative over the years, including Loughborough University, University of Leeds, King's College London, University of Nottingham, University of Warwick and University of Manchester, among many others. 

The programme continues to provide students with access to workshops, mentoring opportunities, referee qualifications and coaching development, alongside the annual HEVO conference, which remains a key opportunity for officers to share ideas and best practice.

Recent years have also seen the introduction and expansion of senior HEVO roles, designed to support and mentor newer officers while helping strengthen the programme regionally. 

Volleyball England's ongoing commitment to higher education volleyball refects the growing demand for accessible and inclusive opportunities within the student game, with the HEVO programme continuing to play a central role in introducing new players to the sport. 

To celebrate HEVO's 50th anniversary, Volleyball England will be releasing a series of content over the next few weeks. As well as a video looking back at the programme through the years, there will be a range of features highlighting the impact of HEVO across the higher education and the students who have helped shape its success.

Applications for the 2026-27 HEVO programme are now open, with universities and students encouraged to get involved ahead of the new academic year. 

For more information on the HEVO programme and how to apply, visit Volleyball England HEVO programme page.