The 2022/23 Volleyball Ireland Stakeholder Survey is out now, and provides the perfect opportunity for members to present their ideas for improving Irish Volleyball.
The survey, now in its fifth 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. We’ve had a really strong year with amazing growth in participation, the introduction of the Grand Finals and re-launch of the Cup and Championships for both adults and youth. Social Volley and play for fun has been a fantastic addition and VLY Live was a great way to bring the community together to learn and share.
The number of licensed players has increased 41% overall with a 42% rise in u18 players. That’s big. We now have 77 different nationalities registered in the association, up 10 from last year so our outreach and participation programmes are working.
We’ve supported our clubs more than ever, with over 100k in grant support distributed through the net and post scheme and youth development programme funding. We’ve invested more than ever in our performance development with national team activities and development centre work enhanced significantly. We’ve also raised our game promoting the sport, especially the national league with the Grand finals stream and game of the week reels showcasing the real beauty and brilliance of our sport.”
You can complete the survey here.
The survey covers the time period since May 2022 to May 2023 and is open for one week.
Headlines:
- 41% increase in participation v last year
- 100k+ in club supports through net and post scheme and youth development grants
- 33% increase in social media followers
- Introduction of Premier Division Grand Finals
- Doubling of school team entries
- Launch of independent commission to manage protests and complaints
- Partnership with Italian Federation
- Qualification of Intl Beach Referee
- Re-introduction of Referee Management Committee
Some other developments in the last 12 months;
Marketing
The last 12 months has seen a massive 33% 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
• Professional broadcast of the Grand Finals
• 24 Schools finals streamed
• 30% increase in the amount of accounts engaged on Insta
ParticipationNew programmes have been established that has grown verified licensed player participation figures by 41% versus last year.
The initiatives to grow participation include:
• Introduction of Boys National League
• Introduction of Youth Championships
• Launch of 4v4 u14 tour
• Social Volley and Play for Fun supports have recruited over 250 new players to register with Volleyball Ireland
Organising Competitions
The National League followed a new format this season with the introduction of the Grand Finals at Premier Division level, the renewal of 2nd place v 7th promotional playoffs and the return of the Cup and Championships.
An independent commission to investigate and manage protests was formed independent of the National League Management Committee.
The King & Queen of the Court Beach format was introduced as a further innovation to the Beach Tour calendar.
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, including French technical director Nicolas Sauerberey who attended VLY Live – our first learn and share weekend for all the community.
Our first International Beach Referee was trained (Aurelien Gimenez) and Giordano Dos Santos was elevated to full FIVB Intl Referee. Also…
• Partnership with Italian Federation to develop coach programmes with 8 coaches visiting Milan in February.
• 36 x Grade 3 Referees trained
• Highly rated Coach Bogdan Tanase visited Ireland to deliver a masterclass.
Austrian International referee Gernot Schirmbacher visited Ireland and delivered online referee training
Over 25 referee assessments completed with 10 upgrade
Over 100 school children trained as young referees
Art of Coaching Volleyball licenses made available for all licensed coaches
New Kappa referee uniform free for all referees
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 expanded for juniors and national teams have been competitive at various age groups.
• Intl Jnr Beach Teams competed for Ireland for the first time
• FIPAV partnership led to programme with Club Italia
• 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
• Further expansion of youth leagues.
The development centre programme also expanded to the Beach and included a HP Camp in Italy with legendary coach Manu Bennelli.
Leadership & Governance
Off the court the organisation continues to grow with staff recruited into key roles including finance admin and player pathways manager.
New committees were formed including the Youth Council, which aims to give young people an influence in our decision making. The PADACC was also established to give independence to protests, appeals and complaints.
Revenues with the organisation have grown 25% and the amount of income generated organically (non-grants) has nearly tripled. Gender balance is maintained at Board level. Our annual report finished 2nd at the Good Governance awards (24 applicants in our category).
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 Friday June 9th.
