Volleyball England Strengthens Infrastructure with New Hosting Agreement at Loughborough

Loughborough Named National Hub for Indoor and Sitting Volleyball Development

In a landmark development for British volleyball, Loughborough University has been confirmed as the new home for a wide array of major national events, beginning in September 2025. Under a five-year agreement with Volleyball England, the university will host flagship competitions including the Cup Finals, Junior Grand Prix Last 8, Sitting Grand Prix, Student Cup Qualifiers, and the Opening Weekend. This strategic partnership reflects. Volleyball England’s commitment to advancing the sport in line with its long-term vision, The Game Plan. In addition to hosting competitions, the Leicestershire campus will serve as a central venue for training camps under the National Indoor Talent Programme. It will also deliver a range of coaching and development initiatives, such as the Club Coach Award, Assistant Coach Award, and the HEVO Conference, further embedding volleyball into Loughborough’s elite sporting ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the National Beach Performance Programme will relocate to Birmingham City University, where a new indoor beach facility is under development. Volleyball England CEO Charlie Ford described the move to Loughborough as a “significant step forward,” citing the university’s investment in performance sport, flexible infrastructure, and central location near the M1 and East Midlands Airport. He emphasised that centralising operations at Loughborough, already home to Volleyball England’s Hub team, would unlock wider opportunities in research, talent development, and volunteering.

Ford also noted that Loughborough’s proximity to three on-site hotels makes it ideal for hosting international events. As Volleyball England approaches its 70th anniversary, the partnership is expected to elevate the sport’s visibility and accessibility. The university joins other national governing bodies, including those for cricket, netball, swimming, and triathlon, already operating at Loughborough, reinforcing its role as a national sports hub. Professor Jo Maher, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport at Loughborough University, welcomed the strengthened partnership, describing it as a valuable step towards deeper integration and long-term collaboration. She highlighted the potential for enhanced performance development and community engagement over the next five years and beyond.

To support athletes, coaches, and officials attending events, Volleyball England has secured discounted accommodation through Imago Hotels, covering Burleigh Court, The Elite Athlete Centre, and The Link Hotel. Hayley Hardy, Head of Business Development at Imago Hotels, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting their extensive experience in hosting elite sport and commitment to delivering flexible, high-quality service. This partnership marks a new era for volleyball in England, combining world-class facilities with strategic ambition to grow the sport nationally and internationally.

Editor’s Note:

The decision to make Loughborough University the central hub for national volleyball events is a positive and forward-thinking step. Bringing key competitions, training camps, and coaching programmes to a university known for its strong sports culture shows Volleyball England’s clear focus on improving performance and creating a more organised system for the sport. It’s also a smart move to work closely with a trusted institution that already supports several other national sports bodies. The added support from Imago Hotels and the move of the National Beach Performance Programme to Birmingham City University further strengthens the sport’s future. With better facilities and stronger partnerships, volleyball in England is set to grow in both quality and popularity. 
 

Skoobuzz believes this is a welcome shift that will open up new opportunities for players, coaches, and fans alike.