The Game Plan - quarter two updates (from July to September 2023)

The latest achievements in relation to Volleyball England's strategic plan.

GET. KEEP. GROW  

Connected and stronger regions, counties, clubs and stakeholders: 

• 45 universities have signed up to the HEVO programme, which was launched via the HEVO Conference in September, where 57 young volleyball officials gave 8.76 satisfaction rating. Click here for details. 

• A partnership with Club Matters has been agreed, giving governance support to Regions, Counties and Clubs. Click here for details. 
• Jeremy Harris has joined the GKG Sub Group as Clubs and Network Delivery Lead. 
• The Regions and Counties Community of Practice met in July with a focus on governance.  
• An insurance webinar was hosted alongside an expert from Howden Insurance UK in September. 
• 39 training videos, an FAQs page and step-by-step guides have been created to assist members on the new VolleyZone, while system improvements are staff training are also continuing. Click here to view YouTube video guides. 
• A joint Sitting Volleyball Working Group is to be established, in partnership with the BVF. 

 What’s coming in Q3 (October, November, December) 

• More club workshops. Click here to see the calendar. 
• VolleyZone support sessions with Hub Staff. 

VOLLEYBALL FOR LIFE  

Building a diverse, inclusive and engaged volleyball workforce and strong talent pathway 

• 33 people attended the practical sessions of the Indoor and Junior Coach Award Courses in September. 
• The Beach Coach Award technical module is under development, with the first course scheduled for Spring 2024.  
• The criteria and process for progressing referees from Grade 4 to Grade 3R have now been created. Click here for details. 
• The Respect Programme, to support retention of officials, has been communicated across the Volleyball network. Click here for details. 
• England’s boys pairing won silver medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago, while the girls finished fifth. Click here for details. 

 What’s coming in Q3 (October, November, December) 

• Workshops and member consultation to take place on The People Plan before the end of March. 
• Volley 3s/4s resources are being developed for Secondary Schools as part of the Junior Player Pathway. 

AN ACE SERVICE  

High quality domestic and international events:  

• 1,250 fixtures agreed and 1,900 players registered through the new VolleyZone. A huge thank you to all the clubs and officials for the patience and understanding during this process. 
• A range of measures have been introduced this season to improve the look and feel of the Super League, including recording of every match, HUDL analysis, new branding and website improvements. 
• 25% growth in Tier 1 National Junior Competition entries across U16 and U18. Click here to view National Junior Competitions. 

 What’s coming in Q3 (October, November, December) 

• Announcement of a new Women’s Super League title sponsor. 
• Inaugural Super League Opening Weekend to be launched in October. 
• Junior and Student Cup competitions to start in October and November respectively. 

A RESPECTED AND VALUED NGB  

• A new contract was agreed to continue to stage major events and training camps at the National Volleyball Centre. Click here for details. 
• A four-year deal has been agreed with Howden Insurance UK to become Volleyball England’s insurance broker. Click here for details. 
• The audit was successfully completed for 2022-23. 

What’s coming in Q3 (October, November, December) 

• The annual safeguarding compliance meeting will be held with the Child Protection In Sport Unit (CPSU).  
• 18-month reporting is to be presented to Sport England.  
• New TikTok account to be launched ahead of Opening Weekend.