Celebrating the Success of the 2023 ParaVolley Europe Silver Nations League

British Volleyball took centre stage last weekend as they welcomed some of Europe’s top sitting volleyball players for the UK’s first international sitting volleyball tournament since London 2012 Paralympics came to the David Ross Sports Village in Nottingham.

The three-day event was a resounding success, which showcased the spirit of inclusivity, athleticism, and camaraderie that makes sitting volleyball such a remarkable sport.

With immense appreciation, BVF would like to acknowledge the efforts of ParaVolley Europe, UK Sport, the University of Nottingham, the volunteers, and athletes for their pivotal roles in making this event a memorable tournament for all.

Joanna Cook, Performance Manager at the British Volleyball Federation, said: “First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere thanks to ParaVolley Europe for entrusting us with the honour of hosting this years Silver Nations League tournament. Their support and cooperation were invaluable throughout the event’s planning and execution.

“Alongside the crucial financial support from UK Sport, they have enabled us to continue to inspire and promote diversity in sports through showcasing sitting volleyball in the UK.”

Cook continued: “We would also like to thank the University of Nottingham for letting us host the event at their state-of-the-art facilities. The David Ross Sports Village provided an exceptional venue and a welcoming environment for all the participants, which played an instrumental part in creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere throughout.”

Alongside the tournament, BVF organised inclusive ‘Come and Try’ sessions over the weekend’s action, which aimed to introduce sitting volleyball to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Participating in one of these sessions was Community Integrated Care, who showed their support by presenting thoughtful gifts to the GB men and womens teams in a heartwarming gesture before the tournament commenced.

Volunteers also played a crucial role in running the event, whose roles included court managers, courtside assistants and stewards, as well as line judges and scorers, who took part in internationally recognised official’s qualification prior to the competition.

On the help of the volunteers, Jonathan Moore, Major Events at Volleyball England, added:

“The dedication from the volunteers who generously contributed their time and effort to make the weekend an incredible success. Their commitment and tireless support helped make the tournament flow seamlessly, and without them, events like these simply would not happen.”

The weekend’s thrilling action culminated in two captivating finals as Latvia’s mens team dethroned the reigning champions Poland to claim the gold medal, while Hungary’s dominant womens team emerged as convincing winners.

As hosts, Great Britain’s squads showcased their determination to qualify for Paris 2024 and beyond, as the womens team fought back from pool play defeats to secure a well-deserved silver medal. As for the men, they displayed resilience but finished in fifth place, narrowly missing out on medal contention.

Europe’s best Sitting Volleyball players to showcase the Paralympic sport in Nottingham

Members of the public invited to come and try at ParaVolley Silver Nations League tournament

This weekend Nottingham will play host to Europe’s best Sitting Volleyball players as the UK’s first international Sitting Volleyball event since London 2012 Paralympics comes to the city.

A fast, exciting sport often played by amputees and individuals with limb difference, Sitting Volleyball will once again return to the spotlight as the ParaVolley Silver Nations League takes place at the University of Nottingham from 19-21 May 2023. The event will see nine men and women’s teams from across Europe come together in what is a crucial tournament for both the men and women’s Great Britain teams as they aim to try and secure qualification for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.

Both the men’s and women’s Great Britain teams will be in action at the tournament, and the players are encouraging people to come along to the tournament to cheer on the teams. Entry to the event is free and action starts on Friday at 18.00, continuing Saturday and Sunday with matches starting from 8.30 in the morning and action continuing throughout both days. The event culminates in the finals on Sunday afternoon, followed by a closing ceremony at 18.00. All the action can be followed on the British Volleyball social media channels and via a live stream on the Para Volley Europe YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ParaVolleyEuropeLive

Although Sitting Volleyball is part of the Paralympics, it can be played by anybody, and is a great leveller for people with different types and levels of impairment, as well as also being played by people without a disability. Members of the public are being invited to come along to the Silver Nations League and give Sitting Volleyball a go as part of taster sessions which will run on both Saturday and Sunday during the event.

The open taster sessions will run from 9am-8pm on Saturday and 9am-6pm on Sunday, with fun activities on offer to give people a taste of the sport. There will be speed gates to measure the speed someone can strike a ball, plus a small court to practice. There is no need to sign up in advance and anyone of any age, with or without a disability is welcome to come along and try Sitting Volleyball.

“The ParaVolley Silver Nations League will not only showcase some of Europe’s best Sitting Volleyball teams and athletes, it will also give people the chance to try the sport with our taster sessions,” said Joanna Cook, Performance Manager at British Volleyball. “Sitting Volleyball is a fun exciting team sport which can be played by everybody. I would encourage anyone who fancies trying it out to head down to the University of Nottingham during the Silver Nations League and give it a go, whilst cheering on the GB teams at the same time.”

For anyone who is interested in trying Sitting Volleyball but can’t make the come and try sessions in Nottingham, there are Sitting Volleyball teams spread around the country. The Volleyball England website has a club finder - www.volleyballengland.org 

The ParaVolley Silver Nations League takes place at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham from 19-21 May 2023. To find out more visit www.britishvolleyball.org

All the action will be available in real time online through the dedicated websites of the competitions:
 Men's Silver Nations League

Women's Silver Nations League

GB Sitting Volleyball Athletes Showcase on 'Anything but Footy' Podcast

Jodie Hill, Jessica (Jay) Frezza, Steve Allen and John Munro talk to host Michael Weadock on podcast ‘Anything but Footy’ showcasing the sport of Sitting Volleyball, and the upcoming ParaVolley Europe Silver Nations League.

British Volleyball Federation commit to making ParaVolley Silver Nations League their most eco-friendly and sustainable event yet

The British Volleyball Federation, in conjunction with UK Sport, is proud to announce their commitment to making the ParaVolley Europe Silver Nations League an eco-friendly and sustainable event.

The tournament, which is taking place at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham from the 19th to 21st of May, is taking a proactive stance on environmental issues and has implemented several initiatives to ensure the event is as sustainable as possible.

This includes the use of local green buses to transport athletes from hotel to venue, sustainable medals and trophies supplied by SustainableMedals.com, re-useable drinks bottles from event supporter UK Sport, composting food waste in partnership with the university, as well as recycling all recyclable materials via bins situated throughout the venue.

Additionally, spectators are also encouraged to use public transportation when attending the event, with the excellent university tram and bus links to the Sports Village.

Joanna Cook, Performance Manager at the British Volleyball Federation, said: “As an organisation, we are keen to promote the elements of social impact, with one of those pillars being environmental sustainability.

“UK Sport, our funders, are encouraging all National Governing Bodies to be more environmentally conscious through events and generally organisational proactive after the release of their Environmental Strategy earlier this year.

“We hope the event will help raise awareness of environmental issues and the importance of sustainable practices in sport and encourage the volleyball community to do their part in protecting the environment.”

The British Volleyball Federation is committed to making the ParaVolley Silver Nations League a more sustainable event and looks forward to welcoming teams, spectators, and volunteers to Nottingham in May.

Richard Callicott OBE Steps Down as Chair and President of the British Volleyball Federation

After an extended and successful tenure as Chair and President of the British Volleyball Federation (BVF), Richard Callicott OBE will be stepping down from his position.

During his time in the role, Richard has been instrumental in promoting volleyball across a variety of disciplines, influencing UK Sport and other major partner organisations to make the sport accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Under his leadership, he also helped guide the British Volleyball Federation through a difficult period following the loss of funding post 2012 and continued to advocate for UK Sport's support of all national sports organisations.

Richard was first introduced to Volleyball by Ray Carman, the then Officials Secretary of the British Volleyball Association, at the City of Birmingham College of Education. After passing a short refereeing exam in 1967, he went on to established Warley Teachers, which then became Warley Phoenix and Haden Hill, and later renamed West Bromwich.

In 1969, Richard founded the Sandwell Volleyball Tournament, which at its peak, grew to become one of the largest in Europe with over 420 teams. It went on to win the International Olympic Committee’s ‘Sport for All’ award and was even acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s biggest volleyball tournament. In 2012, Richard was honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to volleyball.

Richard has provided invaluable insight to BVF throughout his career in sports, including UKSport, British Paralympic Association (BPA), National Indoor Arena of Sport, and many more, alongside his numerous board and commission roles for the like of the Commonwealth Federations, WPV ethics committee, Sporting Equals, Black Country Active and Youth Charter for Sport.

Richard will remain as Honorary President of Volleyball England and continue to provide advice and support to the Commonwealth and the FIVB.

Nick Meacham, Non-Executive Director at British Volleyball said: “We owe Richard a huge debt of gratitude for what he has given us over the years. His passionate personality has been a shining light for our sport’s community and his wholehearted commitment has ensured the BVF has a strong and consistent voice in the world of sport.

“We would like to thank him enormously for his tireless work in promoting the sport across the UK and beyond. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

For more information about the vacant chair position at the British Volleyball Federation, please visit click here.

Come and try Sitting Volleyball this May

British Volleyball and Volleyball England are offering “come and try” sessions at the ParaVolley Silver Nations League in Nottingham on 19-21 May.

Are you looking for an opportunity to try out a new, exciting sport? Look no further! The UK’s first international Sitting Volleyball event since London 2012, the ParaVolley Silver Nations League, is coming to Nottingham from 19-21 May 2023 with taster sessions open to the public.

No matter what your age or ability, British Volleyball and Volleyball England are inviting members of the public to come and try this unique and exciting sport. Sitting Volleyball can be played by anyone, whether you have a disability or not, and is a fun, inclusive sport for all.

Led by experienced, professional coaches, the sessions which will take place at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham, will provide a great chance to learn the basics of the game through a range of fun drills and exercises.

Sitting volleyball, first introduced in the 1960s, is a fast-paced, upper-body sport and has become an integral part of the Paralympic Games. Played in a seated position, it is a fun and inclusive sport, enjoyed by men and women of all ages, including amputees and people with limb difference.

The ParaVolley Silver Nations League will also provide a great opportunity to see some of the world’s best sitting volleyball players in action and could even inspire you to give the sport a go and join a local team.

The event promises to be an unforgettable day, so don’t miss out on this chance to try something new in a fun and friendly environment.

Come down to the Silver Nationals League in Nottingham and join in the excitement of sitting volleyball! If you would like more information, you can email competitions@volleyballengland.org

The ParaVolley Silver Nations League takes place at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham from 19-21 May 2023.

British Volleyball and Loughborough University partner in research project to analyse Sitting Volleyball competition structure

The project aims to make the sport more sustainable and suitable for clubs across the country.

The British Volleyball Federation are proud to announce their collaboration with Loughborough University on a research project to analyse sitting volleyball’s competition models.

The aim of the project is to evaluate the opportunities and challenges of running a successful national competition structure for sitting volleyball, as well as how to better engage the volleyball community and make sitting volleyball more attractive to the disability community.

With the view to create a positive and sustainable national competition structure to benefit the sport, the project explores team sports for disabled athletes in the UK and the competition structure for non-disabled volleyball in countries with a similar home nation or wide geographical spread.

The future of sitting volleyball in the UK is uncertain as club participation has seen a drastic drop, with England as the only National Governing Body that runs a national annual competition programme.

Without essential funding, the programme is in danger of disappearing.

In an effort to revive the competition structure, and ensure the community, participation, and performance pathways are maintained, British Volleyball is calling for a revival of its national programme for its sitting game.

The project’s goal is to review sitting volleyball’s current competition structure to then build upon a more integrated home country competition element, to ultimately make the sport more sustainable and suitable for clubs across the country.

The findings will be utilised to enhance the home nation structure and shared with International Federations to help ensure the longevity of the sport.

The BVF is excited to be working with Loughborough University to review the current competition structure and chart a new pathway for sitting volleyball in the UK.

We look forward to the project’s results and making sitting volleyball a more attractive and successful sport.

If you would like to learn more about this project, please contact Joanna Cook jcook@britishvolleyball.org

Jonathan Moore awarded World ParaVolley distinguished service award

Jonathan Moore, Volleyball England's Major Events Manager, was this week recognised for his services to World ParaVolley.

Jon, who has helped to organise World ParaVolley events across the globe, was a Technical Delegate for Sitting Volleyball at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and was part of the team behind the delivery of Sitting Volleyball at the London 2012 Paralympics.

In honour of his services to the sport, Jon was awarded a Distinguished Service Award at the 2023 World ParaVolley Awards for his work as an International Technical Official, and in event management and administration.

 Jonathan Moore said:

 “It’s an honour to be awarded the World ParaVolley Distinguished Service Award. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to help deliver Sitting Volleyball events across the world, with my involvement at the Tokyo Paralympic Games a personal highlight.“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and I look forward to the opportunity to help deliver more events in the future.”

 The 2023 awards saw a total of 11 people recognised, with some of World ParaVolley's most esteemed professionals celebrated. You can find out more about Jon's award and the rest of 2023 World ParaVolley awards here.

 Charlie Ford, Chief Executive of Volleyball England, said:

 “We are extremely proud that Jonathan has been awarded a Distinguished Service Award by World ParaVolley."Jon has made an incredible contribution to the sport of Sitting Volleyball in recent years, which is a testament to his hard work, dedication and exemplary leadership. "I would like to personally extend my congratulations to him on this well-deserved achievement."

 Barry Couzner OAM, President of World ParaVolley said:

 "...Jonathan Moore has been an outstanding international technical official for World ParaVolley, as indicated by the success of the various competitions he has been involved in as a leader since 2018 in particular."

 The BVF would like to add their special praise for the work that Jon has done for the sport of Sitting Volleyball, and are grateful to be working with him to host the PVE Silver Nations League next month.

Become a Sitting Volleyball Hero!

Join our army of Sitting Volleyball volunteers at the UK’s first international event since London 2012

British Volleyball and Volleyball England are looking for people to play their part in helping run the UK’s first international Sitting Volleyball event since London 2012 when the ParaVolley Silver Nations League comes to Nottingham from 19-21 May 2023.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Sitting Volleyball and for the Silver Nations League we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to fill the roles of court managers, courtside assistants, line judges, scorers and stewards.

For those volunteers who would like to become a line judge or scorer, there is the opportunity to complete the Volleyball England Technical Officials Award, an internationally recognised official’s qualification*. After competition of the course, volunteers will then be eligible to officiate as a scorer for their club and at other national or international competitions.

All volunteers for the Silver Nations League will get travel and accommodation covered for the event, as well as refreshments and uniform.

Without a network of dedicated volunteers that give up their time and energy, Sitting Volleyball matches and tournaments simply wouldn’t happen. We hope you can join our volunteer army and become a Sitting Volleyball hero!

To register your interest volunteering for the ParaVolley Silver Nations League, click HERE - before the closing date of 3rd May 2023.

* Volleyball England Technical Officials Award is a combination of a webinar and a face-to-face practical session. Volunteers will need to complete one webinar on Wednesday 10th May or Monday 15th May from 7pm-9pm, and then the practical session on Friday 19th May from 9am-12pm.

ParaVolley Silver Nations League takes place at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham from 19-21 May 2023.

The nation’s best Sitting Volleyball teams battled it out in Kettering last weekend

Last Saturday (22 April) saw reigning Sitting Volleyball National Champions ‘Sitting Bucks’ retain their title as the beat ‘Help for Heroes’ 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-16), showcasing the best of Sitting Volleyball to the Kettering crowd at the National Volleyball Centre.

In a tightly fought match, ‘Sitting Bucks’ once again showed their experience as they took the win in a match which was the culmination of the highest level domestic Sitting Volleyball competition and part of Volleyball England’s end of season volleyball showcase.

Sitting Volleyball is a fast and exciting sport, played sitting on the floor by men and women of all ages. It is a perfect team sport for amputees and individuals with limb difference. It is played without a prosthetic which makes the game a great leveller for people with different types and levels of impairment.

To find out more about Sitting Volleyball and learn how to get involved with the sport or find a local club, visit www.britishvolleyball.org or www.volleyballengland.org

For more information contact Betony Garner, PR Consultant for British Volleyball – betony@betonygarner.co.uk / 07779 801 691

Picture credit: Nina Farooqi

The country’s best Sitting Volleyball teams showcase their sport in Kettering this weekend

The country’s best Sitting Volleyball teams showcase their sport in Kettering this weekend

End of season Cup Finals taking place at the National Volleyball Centre in

Kettering on 22 & 23 April

This Saturday (22 April) sees reigning Sitting Volleyball National Champions ‘Sitting Bucks’ take on one of the country’s longest running teams, ‘Help for Heroes’, in what will be an electrifying Grand Prix Final – the culmination of the highest level domestic Sitting Volleyball competition.

Taking place at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering, the Sitting Volleyball final is part of Volleyball England’s end of season volleyball showcase. Spectators can enjoy top level volleyball and an electric atmosphere over the weekend of 22 & 23 April, with the Sitting Volleyball Final one of the first matches of the weekend, taking place at 12.30 on Saturday.

Sitting Volleyball is a fast and exciting sport, played sitting on the floor by men and women of all ages. It is a perfect team sport for amputees and individuals with limb difference. It is played without a prosthetic which makes the game a great leveller for people with different types and levels of impairment.

“We are delighted to be able to showcase Sitting Volleyball to a wider audience at the Cup Finals in Kettering and hope that for those watching this exhilarating sport they will be inspired and maybe even consider taking it up,” said Joanna Cook, Performance Manager at British Volleyball. “We have an active domestic scene but are keen to grow it further and would encourage anyone with a disability or not, to find their local Sitting Volleyball club and give it a go!”

Tickets for the Volleyball Cup Finals cost £16 per adult for an allocated seat or £12 for an open seat, per day, with discounts for concessions and family bundles. Adult weekend tickets can also be purchased for £24 for an allocated seat or £18 for an open seat. To find out more or to buy tickets visit www.volleyballengland.org

To find out more about Sitting Volleyball and learn how to get involved with the sport or find a local club, visit www.britishvolleyball.org or www.volleyballengland.org

For more information contact Betony Garner, PR Consultant for British Volleyball – betony@betonygarner.co.uk / 07779 801 691

GB Senior Women's Squad Heads to the Stavanger Cup

The BVF are delighted to be supporting our women’s squad as they head out to KFUM Stavanger international Sit Cup 2023.

The team will fly out to Stavanger, Norway for this two day event which is being held by KFUM in cooperation with the Norwegian Volleyball Federation on Friday 17th March. The two days of competition will see Great Britain play against some quality opposition from Norway and Denmark, providing a great readiness test for the upcoming Silver league.

Head Coach Ian Legrand will be assisted by team manger Amanda Pollard, physio, and assistant coach Bobbi Clarke.

Ian has selected a strong group with a mix of experience and youth which includes Stacey Byrne, Paige Clarke, Nicole Jodi Hill, Jeannette Adu-Bobi, Jessica Frezza, Claire Harvey, Andrea Green and Jessica Dowdeswell.

We wish the squad all the best of luck, we are hoping matches will be lived streamed on the KFUM facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/sittevolleyballcup

The BVF are hosting the PVE Silver Nations League in Nottingham between 19-21st May 2023. This will see both our men and women teams take on a host of top European countries. We will shortly be opening out applications for interested parties to volunteer at the event, make sure you follow the BVF facebook page for all the information. www.facebook.com/BritishVolleyball

UK Sport increases Beach Volleyball Funding with a coaching project

Monday 13 February 2023 - UK Sport confirmed an additional £4m of funding into summer Olympic and Paralympic sport as preparations gear up for the Paris 2024 Games.

The increased investment across 33 sports will support athletes in their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including allowing athletes to attend extra competitions that have been added to the international calendar and are essential to qualification for the Paris Games, in addition to training camps.

Following last year’s significant uplifts of £11.2m of additional investment in summer sports on top of the original Paris cycle awards the latest round of investments prioritised support on activities and requirements that will have a direct impact on Paris 2024 qualification.

The British Volleyball Federation are delighted to receive an uplift of investment for the two men’s beach pairs of £26,000 to cover a specific coaching project outlined to enhance and assist in the qualification aspirations of the two men’s pairs for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Performance manager Joanna Cook says, “This is a significant, and much appreciated uplift for the men’s pairs allowing their coaches to travel with them to international competitions. It is thanks to UK Sport and the National Lottery that this focused effort on our athletes’ aspirations will be strengthened.”

British Volleyball Federation completes UK Anti-Doping Assurance Framework

The British Volleyball Federation (BVF) is delighted to announce its completion of the Assurance Framework, which National Governing Bodies (NGBs) must fulfil to certify to UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) that they are meeting their anti-doping responsibilities.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published the updated 2021 UK National Anti-Doping Policy (Policy) in April 2021, which all NGBs must be compliant with. This was the first update of the Policy since its implementation in 2009.

UKAD, which is responsible for ensuring that sports bodies comply with the World Anti-Doping Code through its implementation and management of the Policy, introduced the Assurance Framework for NGBs to be able to evidence their compliance with the Policy.

The introduction of the Assurance Framework is the most significant change in the Policy. It outlines a series of mandatory requirements which all NGBs must fulfil. These requirements include the creation of an education strategy and plan, the implementation of anti-doping rules and increased involvement of an NGB’s Board with clean sport.

Upon completion of the Assurance Framework Richard Callicott from the BVF, said: “It is key that British Volleyball have completed this necessary and important framework to ensure the organisation is fully supporting safe, clean sport.”

UKAD’s Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Nisha Dutt, said: “At UKAD we work tirelessly to protect clean sport, but we can’t do it alone. This Assurance Framework supports NGBs with the delivery of their anti-doping responsibilities and will help the BVF to embed clean sport values into volleyball going forward. It is brilliant to see that the BVF has completed the UKAD Assurance Framework after working closely with our dedicated Assurance and Education teams over recent months.”

For more information on the Policy and Assurance Framework, visit the UKAD website.

About UK Anti-Doping

UK Anti-Doping is responsible for ensuring sports bodies in the UK are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code through implementation and management of the UK National Anti-Doping Policy. UK Anti-Doping’s functions include an education and information programme, athlete testing across more than 40 Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports, intelligence management and exclusive results management authority for the determination of anti-doping rule violations. For more information on UKAD, please click here.

Scottish Volleyball - vacancies

Scottish Volleyball is looking to grow the staff team.

They are currently looking for three different roles, administrative officer, workfore and wellbeing officer and they are looking for a full time indoor performance coach and manager. The coaching position is funded in cooperation with the FIVB empowerment funding.

To know more on how to apply, please visit their page here.