Volleyball England begins 70th year celebrations

It was on 28th May 1955 that the first ever meeting of the Amateur Volleyball Association (AVA) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland took place. 

Just under a year later, a constitution was finalised on 6th April 1956, paving the way for organised volleyball to be established in the UK. 

The AVA was the forerunner to the individual Home Nation national associations that now govern the sport in each of those countries today, with the AVA renamed the English Volleyball Association in 1972 and Volleyball England in 2006. 

Richard Callicott OBE, Honorary President of Volleyball England, reflected on the sport’s incredible journey over the last seven decades:

“The sport has changed in so many ways in the last 70 years, with tactics, techniques, skills, fitness and commitment all improving. But the most important aspect is that the sport is enjoyed and is considered fun for so many boys and girls, and men and women of all levels of ability.”

"The development of Volleyball in England was held back due to the lack of indoor facilities until the 1970s. It was only when Sports halls were built that indoor sports were able to develop.

"Coaches were the mechanism for the expansion of Volleyball, and clubs were the means by which young people were encouraged into the sport.

"Until then, volleyball was played outdoors on grass. Events such as Sandwell, Whitfield and Ashcombe were able to showcase the sport (Sandwell was in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in Europe)."

The competitive structure also saw significant growth in the sport across the country, with Richard saying, "Over the years, competitions have expanded and players have benefited from National, Regional and Local leagues, producing some outstanding players.

"England has had some great players who have gone on to play for professional clubs in Europe and around the world. This was never truer than in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We have now competed in the Olympic and Paralympic Games as Great Britain in Volleyball, Beach Volleyball and Sitting Volleyball. Indeed, Mo Glover and Audrey Cooper were our first players to play in the Olympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta.

England now we has a men’s Team, Joaquin and Javier Bello, winning a bronze medal in the second Commonwealth Beach Tournament in the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham as well as a gold medal in Brazil last year in the Elite 16. They are currently ranked 10th in the world, with other English pairs close behind.

"The sport of volleyball is one of the most widely played in the world, and England is part of the European Confederation, which has over 50 Federations to compete against. I am confident that we will see our teams show increasing progress in the coming years.

"Now for the next 70 years!” said Richard.

To mark the occasion, Volleyball England will be staging several events in recognition of its 70th year, including one at Cup Finals 2026. 

Members of the Volleyball England Heritage Project Core Group will also be looking to unlock some of the many stories from the past 70 years that will be told through the Facebook Group and Heritage podcast. 

From the record number of England caps for Ann Jarvis (176) to the Bello brothers winning an Elite 16 event for the first time, the sport has never been short of memorable moments – and they are keen to document the best moments that have been enjoyed across the community. 

For now, though, members are encouraged to send in any written literature images or videos they wish to share that may be of interest to others. 

If you do so, please send via email to info@volleyballengland.org, detailing what has been submitted, as well as who has sent it and contact information in case of query.