When it comes to development activities, Volleyball Ireland started off the year by hosting the U16 National School Championships. This age category was the largest entry of all age groups and a total of six finals were held in the west of Ireland in County Galway. Three months of competition were endured as over 100 teams took part. The finals on January 21 crowned six new divisional champions in Boys and Girls A, B and C categories for the start of 2023.
The new year also brings opportunities for primary school competition. As many as 167 teams have registered for the seven regional blitzes being hosted in February. A national final will be celebrated in late February to determine the champions in 4v4 mixed, with events open for boys and girls aged 9 to 11.
Volleyball Ireland has been working closely with the Irish Special Schools Sports Council and has agreed to host a Dublin-based event for 96 children with mild general learning difficulties. The Council and Volleyball Ireland did meet at the end of January to construct multiple session plans to facilitate learning for all.
Moreover, Volleyball Ireland’s student education programme has gotten underway for 2023 with as many as 29 15-to-16-year-olds from Limerick City put through their paces in a full day coaching and refereeing course.
CEV Small Countries Association 