April 6th and 7th, 2024 – Kelvin Hall, Glasgow
In a thrilling showcase of talent and competitive spirit, the inaugural Tartan Talent Tournament took the Scottish volleyball scene by storm. Held at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow on April 6th and 7th, 2024, this landmark event served as a testament to the prowess of Scotland’s young volleyball athletes and the efficacy of the newly launched Tartan Talent Pathway.
The tournament featured both men’s and women’s competitions, with teams representing various facets of Scotland’s volleyball talent pool. In the men’s competition, formidable squads including Scotland U20 Men Blue, Scotland U20 Men Burgundy, NUVOC, and Scottish Student Sport battled it out for supremacy. Meanwhile, the women’s competition witnessed fierce contention between Scotland U20 Women, Scotland U18 Women, Edinburgh Jets, and Glasgow International. 
In a gripping display of skill and determination, the Scotland teams faced stiff challenges from their rivals, with intense matches captivating audiences throughout the tournament. In the men’s final, a formidable SSS team clashed with Scottish Cup Finalists NUVOC. Despite dropping a challenging second set, SSS powered back to claim victory 3-1. 
Similarly, in the women’s final, Edinburgh Jets emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle against the Scotland U20 Women. Despite a valiant effort from the young Scotland squad, it was Edinburgh Jets who ultimately claimed the title. 
Reflecting on the success of the Tartan Talent Tournament, Ally Jack, High-Performance Coach & Coaching Manager, expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the participating teams. “The Tartan Talent Tournament showcased the immense potential of our young athletes and highlighted the effectiveness of the Tartan Talent Pathway in nurturing talent at the grassroots level.”
The tournament not only provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills but also served as ideal preparation for upcoming challenges. For the U18 Women’s team, the Tartan Talent Tournament served as valuable preparation ahead of their participation in the CEV Small Countries Association Championships in Malta. With matches scheduled against Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the hosts, the tournament will present a stern test for our rising stars under the guidance of Coach Shelly Paterson and her experienced coaching staff of Fiona Welsh and Ally Jack.
Margaret Ann Fleming MBE, CEO of Scottish Volleyball, commended the success of the Tartan Talent Tournament, emphasising its significance in shaping the future of Scottish volleyball. “This new and exciting tournament was wonderful to watch and was a fantastic opportunity for emerging talent to play against experienced and seasoned volleyball athletes. The preparation it offered to our young national team players was invaluable and has given our national team athletes the best of platforms for their competitive summer of European championships.” Fleming remarked.
Indeed, with the launch of the Tartan Talent Pathway, Scottish Volleyball has set the stage for a bright and promising future for the sport in the country. By providing a structured pathway for aspiring athletes, the initiative aims to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s volleyball talent and propel the nation to success on the international stage.
As Scottish Volleyball continues to champion the growth and development of the sport, the Tartan Talent Pathway stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young volleyball enthusiasts across the country. With its comprehensive approach to athlete development and unwavering commitment to excellence, the pathway promises to shape the next generation of volleyball stars in Scotland.
The Tartan Talent programme will return in season 2024-25. For more information about the Tartan Talent Pathway and upcoming events, visit the Scottish Volleyball website and stay tuned to our social media channels.