Volleyball Ireland has released its Annual Report for the 2020-21 season.
The Report covers an unprecedented season for the sport in which only 13 National League Matches were completed, due to the Covid Pandemic.
Participation figures have been severely hit with player licenses reduced by 42% and revenues have reduced by 40%. Despite this some notable projects have been delivered including the publishing of a Long Term Player Development Model, launch of a new Coach Development Programme and a complete re-brand of the organisation.
Progress towards achieving the aims established in the 2019-22 Strategic Plan: Raising the Game, has been delayed with the majority of targets and programmes deferred into 2021, and some exciting plans such as the hosting of an FIVB World Tour Beach Volleyball event have been postponed.
Volleyball Ireland President Grainne Culliton said, “As ever, Volleyball Ireland is dependent on its volunteers, whether at club level or at Commission and Board level, and we congratulate those involved on what has been achieved during an exceedingly difficult year and join with you in looking forward with excited anticipation to a much better year ahead.”
General Manager, Gary Stewart added, “Throughout this difficult period, one thing that has shone through has been the sheer determination and spirit of our clubs and volunteers. The way in which clubs activated Covid officers and implemented the return to play protocols was inspiring, and those efforts really demonstrated the strength of the volleyball community.”
The Annual Report maps out some key strategic objectives for 2021 including a re-launch of the National Beach Tour, formation of a Youth Council and introduction of a Development Centre programme.
The Report is available for download here > 2020-21 VLY Annual Report
Financial Statements for 2020 are here > 2020 Audited Accounts for AGM