The national volleyball federations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Gibraltar, along with the British Volleyball Federation (BVF), are delighted to announce the launch of a new international tournament.
The Five Nations Volleyball Championship will feature national Senior teams (women’s and men’s) from each country, competing in a round-robin format.
Volleyball England will host the inaugural championships – made possible by the BVF’s support – at the National Volleyball Centre, Kettering, from 3rd to 5th January 2025.
The respective women’s and men’s trophies will be named after Don Anthony MBE, recognising the accomplishments of the founder of the Amateur Volleyball Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which was the precursor to the English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish associations of today.
As hosts in year one, it is intended that matches will be live streamed on the Volleyball England YouTube Channel, allowing friends, family and supporters from all the nations involved to watch the action.
More details around the tournament, including a schedule, will be released in due course.
“Creating closer ties with the other Home Nations and our nearby neighbours is a priority for us as we work to grow the game,” said John Forman, Volleyball England’s Strategic Manager for Talent.
“This tournament is an opportunity to give all the nations involved additional international competition, and to generally celebrate the sport together.
“We’re delighted to be able to use this opportunity to honour Don Anthony MBE, who did so much to establish volleyball across the British Isles and was a big advocate of inclusivity and welcoming people and organisations into the fold, which is what this tournament is all about.”
Margaret Ann Fleming MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Volleyball, said: “This truly is an exciting and wonderful event.
“Scottish Volleyball is pleased to be in partnership with the home countries and British Volleyball and, with the inclusion of Ireland and Gibraltar making it even more special, we are excited to see this opportunity develop over the coming years.
“The winners receiving the newly-named Don Anthony Trophy is a fabulous tribute to a remarkable man. Our thanks to Volleyball England for hosting this newly initiated event in its first year.”
Northern Ireland Volleyball President Jonathan McFadden said: “To be part of the inaugural Five Nations Volleyball Championship is exciting for everyone involved with Volleyball in Northern Ireland.