International volleyball returns to Ireland this summer as Volleyball Ireland prepares to host the 2026 BVF Invitational Cup at the UL Sport Arena, Limerick, from 31 July to 2 August.
Previously known as the Five Nations Championship, the tournament brings together Senior Men’s and Women’s National Teams for three days of high-quality international competition.
Whether you are planning to attend, volunteer or follow Team Ireland throughout the tournament, here is everything you need to know.
What is the BVF Invitational Cup?
The BVF Invitational Cup is an annual international volleyball tournament featuring Senior Men’s and Women’s National Teams from the British Volleyball Federation’s member nations, alongside invited international teams.
The tournament is now entering its second year. The inaugural competition was hosted by Volleyball England in Kettering in January 2025 under the name Five Nations Championship.
Why did the tournament’s name change?
The tournament was renamed to better reflect its potential for future growth.
While the inaugural event featured five nations, the number of participating countries may change from year to year as interest in the competition continues to grow.
The name BVF Invitational Cup allows the tournament to welcome additional nations without being limited to a fixed number of participants.
What does BVF mean?
BVF stands for the British Volleyball Federation.
Who competes in the BVF Invitational Cup?
The competition features national teams from the British Volleyball Federation’s member nations, alongside invited international federations.
Both Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s National Teams will compete.
Why is Ireland competing?
Volleyball Ireland continually aims to strengthen relationships with neighbouring nations and create more opportunities for Irish athletes to compete internationally.
The BVF Invitational Cup provides our Senior National Teams with valuable competitive match practice while allowing players to proudly represent Ireland on the international stage.
Regular international competition is an important part of developing players, coaches and national team programmes.
Why is Ireland hosting the tournament?
Ireland has quickly become a popular destination for international teams looking to compete in high-quality volleyball events.
Hosting the BVF Invitational Cup allows Volleyball Ireland to bring international volleyball directly to its members and supporters.
These events give young players the opportunity to watch international athletes compete in person, while also helping to educate and inspire the next generation of Irish volleyballers.
The tournament will also provide valuable opportunities for Irish coaches, referees, volunteers and event staff to gain experience at an international competition.
Will Ireland be invited to compete again next year?
Yes.
A cycle of host nations has already been identified for the 2027 and 2028 competitions, with Ireland expected to remain involved in the tournament.
Volleyball England hosted the inaugural event in 2025, before Ireland was selected to host the second edition in 2026.
Can supporters attend the tournament?
Yes. Spectators are encouraged to attend and support Ireland’s Senior Men’s and Women’s National Teams throughout the weekend.
The tournament provides a fantastic opportunity to watch international volleyball up close and experience the atmosphere of a home international event.
Tickets can be purchased here:
https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/volleyball-ireland/?mc_cid=8645b465f2&mc_eid=50361e0ea0
Can children attend?
Yes. The BVF Invitational Cup will be a family-friendly event and is suitable for supporters of all ages.
We especially encourage young volleyball players, clubs and school teams to attend and watch international volleyball in person.
Can I volunteer at the tournament?
Yes. Volunteers will play an important role in helping Volleyball Ireland deliver a successful international event.
Anyone interested in volunteering can complete the form below:
https://forms.office.com/e/Zfarfb4FjH
Will the matches be streamed?
Volleyball Ireland plans to provide live and digital coverage of the tournament on our social channels.
The live stream will be available on the Volleyball Ireland YouTube Channel – This is Irish Volleyball! – 2026 VLY Association Cup Finals
How can I support Team Ireland?
There are several ways to support Ireland’s Senior National Teams:
- Attend the tournament and cheer on the teams in person.
- Watch and share the live streams.
- Volunteer at the event.
- Follow and engage with Volleyball Ireland’s social media coverage.
- Encourage your club, teammates, family and friends to attend.
- Purchase official Team Ireland merchandise through the Volleyball Ireland shop.
- Donate to the teams GoFundMe or the DIG IN Fund below
- GoFundme – Fundraiser by Regina Halpin : Irish Senior Women’s Volleyball Team Fundrasier
- DIG IN – ThemeNcode PDF Viewer [Do not Delete] – Volleyball Ireland
Be Part of the BVF Invitational Cup
The 2026 BVF Invitational Cup promises to be an exciting celebration of international volleyball, bringing athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters together at the UL Sport Arena.
Whether you are attending as a spectator, helping behind the scenes or following Team Ireland online, we would love for you to be part of this historic competition.
BVF Invitational Cup 2026
31 July–2 August
UL Sport Arena, Limerick
Volunteer:
https://forms.office.com/e/Zfarfb4FjH
Purchase tickets:
https://embed.futureticketing.ie/c/volleyball-ireland/?mc_cid=8645b465f2&mc_eid=50361e0ea0
