This league is the culmination of years of hard work developing schools and supporting clubs to establish youth sections. This development work, led by Conor Flood, included a number of blitzes, friendly competitions and coach education workshops to build a strong foundation of volleyball in strategic areas across the country.
This weekend will see 13 teams compete in the inaugural competition at u18 age level. The girls league will kick start a competitive framework that will see additional age groups added over the coming years ensuring a strong pathway from schools participation to Adult National League Volleyball and ultimately the Irish National Team.
General Manager of Volleyball Ireland, Gary Stewart said, “Our new strategic plan places the emphasis on developing new clubs and supporting existing clubs to build youth sections and expand their coaching and volunteer resources. The Junior National League is a great step and is testament to the hard work the board and staff have put in over recent years. Programmes like this are central to the good health of Volleyball in Ireland.”
Volleyball Ireland will be replicating this model at different age groups and with a boys version. If any clubs are interested in taking part please contact cdo@volleyballireland.com to register your interest. There will be opportunities to participate in blitzes and fun tournaments over the season to get a taste of competitive Volleyball.
The Development team are here to support clubs establish youth sections. Often there can be a mine field of policies and compliance involved when working with children – the team are here to support you through that and concentrate on the good stuff – Volleyball!
A special Thank You to those clubs and tireless volunteers for supporting junior volleyball without your hard work and dedication this simply doesn’t happen.
Our line-up for the first Junior National League;
Galway Volleyball Club
Newbridge Volleyball Club (Pumas and Tigers)
Clare Volleyball Club
Dalkey Volleyball Club
Ennis Volleyball Club (Elites and Eagles)
Naas Volleyball Club (Mambas and Vipers)
Santry Volleyball Club
Irish Emeralds u16
Craigavon Aztecs VC (NI)
TDS (NI)
Fixtures this weekend;
Holy Family SS 3rd Nov 1130am Warm up
Newbridge Pumas V Dalkey
Newbridge Tigers V Santry
Newbridge Pumas V Santry
Newbridge Tigers V Dalkey
Holy Family SS 3rd Nov 130pm Warm Up
TDS V Ennis Elites
Craigavon Aztecs V Ennis Eagles
TDS V Ennis Eagles
Craigavon Aztecs V Ennis Elites
St Brigid’s College 4th Nov 2pm warm up
Naas Vipers V Galway VC
Irish Emeralds V Clare VC
Naas Mambas V Clare VC
Irish Emeralds V Galway VC
Naas Mambas VS Galway VC
Naas Vipers VS Clare Volleyball