The Developing Inspiring Volleyball Activators (DIVA) programme educates and empowers female college students to increase volleyball participation at their institution.
Each DIVA will be provided with training, equipment and resources to establish Social Volley in their College. This can take the form of traditional Volleyball or Sitting Volleyball; which is designed for people with a physical disability and/or mobility issues.
As well as creating inclusive recreational opportunities for students, the DIVA programme provides essential professional development for students to gain life and employability skills during their time at University.
The programme includes continuous learning and development as well as Nationally organised fun competitions for Social volley participants.
Role of the DIVA
To lead, coordinate and promote the development of Social Volley at the host university/institution. To inspire new participants to take up the sport regardless of their level or ability. To create a fun and welcoming environment which focuses on developing inclusive recreational opportunities.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver weekly Social Volley sessions
- Encourage participation
- Submit termly reports to Volleyball Ireland providing updates on the number of participants attending and engaging in your sessions
- Bring one social volley team minimum to the national blitz
- Develop a pathway from recreational volleyball to competitive Volleyball
- Establish links with the sports development team in the College/Institute and local volleyball clubs
- Raise the profile of your host college/Institute, volleyball activity and DIVA programme through social media
- Provide and share good practice stories with Volleyball Ireland and other DIVA’s
- Utilise the further education training courses places offered by Volleyball Ireland.
How it works
- DIVA’s are recruited by College Sports Officers and Volleyball Ireland, through a coordinated promo campaign. We aim to have multiple DIVAs across Ireland recruited by the beginning of October.
- Volleyball Ireland host a 1 day training day providing education, equipment, uniforms and marketing materials for each DIVA.
- With support from College Sports Officers, the DIVA organises weekly social Volleyball activity which are advertised across the College Community.
- After 6 weeks Social Volley programme, DIVAs will report to Volleyball Ireland with numbers, challenges and achievement. After addressing issues, other 6 weeks of trainings will be delivered, leading to a national fun blitz.
- Throughout the programme our DIVAs will receive continuous development and learning opportunities, with support from Volleyball Ireland’s Women in Sport Officer.
- The DIVA continues their progression in Volleyball leadership perhaps helping with the Varsity Team or local club, whilst the players find a life long love for Volleyball.
Benefits for the DIVAs
- Upskilling and Development of transferable skills
- Shop window’ for future employment opportunities
- Vital Experience for CV development
- Free sports coaching qualifications
- Free Hoody and T-shirt
- Develop new friendships
- Be a leader
- Have an impact and make a difference
Benefits for the College
- Social and recreational sports participation will increase
- Development of coaching / leadership capacity within the student population
- More students being more active
- Foster social inclusion and cultural exchange through sport
- Create a sustainable pathway from beginner participation to competitive performance
- Opportunities for Sitting Volleyball activation increasing opportunities for students with a physical disability
- Relationship development between College and an NGB
Leave a Legacy
The DIVA programme provides a unique opportunity for someone to make a real difference to College life. You could be that person that motivates someone to find a new sport that they love, for the rest of their life. For more info, check out more info in the
DIVA 2022-23 Handbook
