Stakeholder Survey 2021/22
The 2021/22 Volleyball Ireland Stakeholder Survey is out now, and provides the perfect opportunity for members to present their ideas for improving Irish Volleyball.
You can complete the survey here > https://forms.gle/qd94SNpTPeXCBh5C6
The survey, now in its fourth year, has established ‘performance benchmarks’ in a range of different areas including Communications, Coach Education, Player Development and Leadership.
Previous versions have provided a range of ideas which Volleyball Ireland has since implemented including; regular newsletters, online player registration system, online kids camps and a Junior Beach Volleyball competition.
Chief Executive, Gary Stewart, said, “The survey is a vital way of giving feedback to Volleyball Ireland and ideas to improve what we do. Despite indoor sport restrictions we have had a strong year winning the NGB of the Year award, and the Good Governance Award. However, we know we aren’t perfect and we want to keep improving. There has been an awful lot of work done, but we know there is lots more to do. We are one of the few NGBs that ask it’s members to rate them, but it’s important to us that we listen, take on board the feedback we receive and put in place an action plan to improve. The survey has been incredibly useful over the last few years. ”
The survey covers the time period since May 2021 to May 2022 and is open for just over a week.
Some developments in the last 12 months;
Marketing
The last 12 months has seen a massive 47% increase in social media followers, resulting from an increase in visibility of players, events and competitions including:
• Game of the Week National League live stream promotion
• Live Stream of 124 schools matches including all cup finals
• Professional broadcast of St. Patrick’s Day Challenge
• Hosting of U20 Small Countries Association Championships
• Women in Sport Week promotion
• Behind the scenes story and reels of national team training camps and matches
• Implementation of new branding to bring alive events
Participation
New programmes have been established that has grown verified licensed player participation figures by 55% versus 2019/20 (pre Covid), and increased the number of juniors playing in official competitions by 325%. There are now just under 500 children licensed with Volleyball Ireland. The initiatives to grow participation include:
• New Development League added to help bridge the gap between Youth & Adult National Leagues
• Introduction of Division 2 Men’s League
• New Beach Tour format based on player ability levels
• Re-structuring of Schools programmes to deliver over 829 matches
• Introduction of underage Boys Club Blitz programme
• Launch of Play Volley club participation scheme
• Delivery of Promotional campaign to get players back active post-Covid
• Introduction of Beach Volleyball Schools Championship
• Provision of subsidised outdoor posts equipment for clubs
• Pilot of Park Volley initiative
• Expansion of Junior Beach Tour
• Regionalisation of u16 Youth League reducing barriers to participation
Organising Competitions
The St. Patrick’s Day International Challenge was delivered at a high level and the hosting of the u20 Men’s Small Countries Association Championships was delivered with high feedback from participating nations. Despite the continued uncertainty surrounding Indoor Sport and Covid related restrictions, an expanded National League programme was delivered with a 30% increase in teams versus previous years. A new Beach tour was rolled out with an ability focussed pathway and progress continues to be made with youth leagues and blitz style events to grow the sport. Expanded National League and introduction of Division 2 Men
• Regionalised Youth League
• Record number of players participating in Beach Tour events
• New Beach Tour Format
• Hosting of the u20 Men Small Countries Association Championships
• Production of the St. Patrick’s Day Challenge event taken up a level
Coach & Referee Education
Continuing to recruit and support more coaches and referees into the sport is a priority. We have explored innovative ways to educate volunteers including the new tier 3 coach development programme which has seen International coaches visit Ireland. The first Beach Volleyball referee course was delivered.
• First ever Beach Volleyball Referee course delivered with 8 participants
• Support of International Referee Candidate to gain experience at professional competition
• Partnership with Italian Federation to develop coach and referee exchange programmes.
• 36 x Grade 3 Referees trained
• Three tier coach development programme has been delivered for 46 coaches of all abilities
• Online Young Leaders programme introduced for Transition Year students with 250 young people trained up
Player Development
The implementation of the Long Term Player Development Model and High Performance Framework documents has led to a more systemic approach to player development and investment in national teams. Regional Development Centres have been established for juniors and national teams have been competitive at various age groups.
• National Team programmes setup at u19W, u20M and u22M age groups with participation in International competition
• Regional Development Centres established both indoor and at beach Volleyball level for junior players aged 13-16 indoor and 16-21 on sand.
• Move to mini volleyball from Spikeball at primary school level to better develop long term techniques
• 4v4 blitz tournaments introduced for youth club players nationwide
Leadership & Governance
Off the court the organisation continues to grow and was named as the Irish Sport NGB of the Year. This prestigious accolade examines a range of criteria including governance, programmes and impact. VLY were also the first Sports body to win the Annual Report Award at the Good Governance Awards.
• Winner of NGB of the Year
• Winner of the Good Governance Award (Annual Report category)
• Appointment of independent Directors to the Board
• Gender balance at board level 56:44 F:M
• Asked to present at the CEV Congress in Poland as the National Federation Good Practice presentation
Gary added, “The Survey really gives us an idea whether or not members have seen an improvement in what we’re doing – that’s what it’s all about, continuously getting better. As a members organisation the views of our members are absolutely vital.”
Deadline for completing the survey is Wednesday June 8th.
