National Junior Competitions 2026–27

The Junior Grand Prix is the largest junior volleyball competition programme in England, giving young players the opportunity to compete, develop and experience the excitement of representing their club on the national stage.

Whether you are an established club competing at the highest level or a new team entering national competition for the first time, the 2026–27 programme offers an appropriate and inspiring competition pathway.

With competitions for different ages and levels of experience, our aim is to provide every young player with positive, meaningful and competitive opportunities to enjoy volleyball, develop their skills and fulfil their potential.

U18 Junior Grand Prix

The U18 competition provides the highest level of junior club competition in England.

The established U18 Super Series will continue for the eight highest nationally ranked teams. The wider U18 programme will include five Grand Prix rounds, with promotion and relegation creating competitive matches throughout the season.

Tier 1 teams will also have the opportunity to progress to the National Cup Final, Gold Cup, Silver Cup or Bronze Cup, subject to entry numbers.

U16 Junior Grand Prix

The U16 programme will include four Grand Prix rounds during the season, providing opportunities for both experienced and developing teams.

Tier 1 will offer a highly competitive national competition for established teams and talented junior athletes.

Tier 2 U16 will continue to support newer and less experienced teams through geographically based pools wherever possible. This approach helps to reduce travel while giving players and coaches valuable experience of 6v6 competition.

The Tier 2 competition provides an important development pathway, preparing teams to progress into higher levels of national competition in future seasons.

U15 Junior Grand Prix

The U15 programme will include three Grand Prix rounds during the season, providing opportunities for both experienced and developing teams.

Tier 1 will offer a highly competitive national competition for established teams and talented junior athletes.

New U15 Tier 2 Competition

For 2026–27, we are delighted to introduce a new Tier 2 U15 6v6 competition.

Beginning in January 2027, the competition will include three Grand Prix rounds played in a supportive and development-focused environment.

This is an ideal opportunity for new teams and developing players to experience national 6v6 competition while preparing for the U16 pathway the following season.

Volley 4

Volley 4 will continue to provide a fantastic first step into national competition for players aged U14 and below.

The 4v4 format gives young players more opportunities to touch the ball, make decisions and develop their skills in an enjoyable and accessible competition environment.

Four Grand Prix rounds will give players, coaches and teams the experience and confidence needed to progress towards 6v6 volleyball and the next stage of the junior competition pathway.

We strongly encourage new and developing clubs to take advantage of this exciting introduction to national competition.

An Exciting Season Ahead

The 2026–27 Junior Grand Prix season begins on Saturday 3 October, with 36 events taking place across the season.

The programme will conclude with the National Junior Competition Finals at Loughborough University, where the leading teams will compete for the opportunity to become national champions.

Another exciting season of junior volleyball lies ahead. We look forward to welcoming returning teams, new clubs, coaches, volunteers and most importantly the thousands of young players who make the Junior Grand Prix such a special part of our volleyball community.

Whatever your club’s current level, there is a place for you in the Junior Grand Prix.