Masters Volleyball collaborates with Volleyball England

Volleyball England is proud to announce a new three-year partnership with The Masters Volleyball.

This strategic partnership falls under the Volleyball or Life framework and aims to deliver high-quality events for players in England who no longer participate in regular national, regional or local competitions.

The partnership will also align Masters Volleyball with Volleyball England’s clinical governance framework and the VolleyZone system, improving player welfare and event registration respectively.

Alex Smith, Masters Volleyball Event Manager, said: “Since its inception, Masters has provided senior players with the opportunity to dust off their knee pads, enjoy a fun social weekend, meet old friends and make new friends within the volleyball community.”

“For those who haven’t played volleyball in a while, Masters events are less daunting than walking into a club and asking if you can play.”

This year’s competition will be held from September 6-8 at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering.

Alex hopes the partnership will increase awareness and attract more players from across the country.

She added: “We know there are many people who are not yet familiar with our event, and we look forward to welcoming them to our volleyball family.”

Gillian Harrison, Strategic Manager of Volleyball for Life, added: “This partnership is a fantastic way to keep volleyball players involved in the sport and foster new friendships.”

“The partnership between Masters Volleyball and Volleyball England allows us to support Alex and the dedicated volunteers in creating great opportunities for those who no longer play regularly or who want to reconnect with old friends.”

This year the event will be expanded to include standing volleyball in addition to the open tournament.

Standing volleyball is a less physically demanding alternative, yet offers the same benefits and creates an inclusive space for all participants.

“This idea came from conversations with Gillian Harrison in her work on the Volleyball For Life initiative,” said Smith.

“We found that some players felt they couldn’t compete with the younger 40-year-olds at the Masters tournament, but still wanted to play at a more relaxed level if we could offer that.”

“By introducing standing volleyball to this year’s competition we also hope to encourage people who may not feel comfortable jumping to join in,” added Gillian.

Over the years, Masters Volleyball has revived interest in playing, coaching and refereeing among players who had taken a break from the sport, either because they had children or for other reasons.

One of those players is Tash Chedgy, who returned to volleyball after the birth of her children and will play in the Women’s Super League with Wessex next season.

Tash also coaches regularly at Wessex, both indoors and at their Beach Volleyball Development Centre. She noted that the Masters events allowed her to build relationships with other players and encouraged her to return to the sport without the fear of being confronted with a 20-year-old’s jump serve.

Alex also hopes that the partnership with Volleyball England and increased support for the Masters events will lead to more local and more frequent tournaments.

“Growth is my main goal,” Alex said. “At the moment this is the only tournament planned. But with more support and encouragement we want to increase the number of tournaments, explore beach competitions and extend the trial of standing volleyball beyond the pilot at the National Volleyball Centre in September.”

If you would like to participate in the masters event this year, click here.

When you register for the event, you will be given the choice of a single room or a shared room.

Questions about the contest can be directed to [email protected]

The event will take place from September 6 to 8. Accommodation and food are included in the price.

More information can be found on the Master’s website and Facebook page.

Players must be over the age of 34 (women) and 40 (men) on September 7, 2024 to participate. (in line with CEV competitions).