Volleyball venues in the UK are grappling with a severe player shortage in 2025, leaving courts unused and clubs facing mounting financial strain. Volleyball England’s 2024-25 Annual Report highlights engagement of over 5,000 participants through pathways, yet grassroots levels struggle with retention and team formation amid broader challenges. Players seek regular training or matches two to three times weekly, but teammates drop out due to commitments, costs, or injuries, leaving recruitment efforts fruitless. No full six means no session, no court hire, no add-ons.

Grassroots volleyball faces persistent barriers: many clubs report difficulty fielding complete teams for recreational leagues, with 40% of potential sessions impacted by shortages. Sport England’s Active Lives data underscores social isolation as a key inactivity driver, with rates climbing across demographics – 35% for 16-24 year-olds and higher in adults. One empty session costs £20-£30 in fees, escalating to £29,000 annually for a typical venue, plus churn as frustrated players quit without reliable squads.

The shortage is acute in adult and mixed groups: women and diverse players encounter access issues or unwelcoming environments, while regional clubs battle facility limits. A captain rallies for players via social media, secures four, needs six – void. Youth pathways show promise but adult transition falters. Venues cite funding shortfalls or volunteer gaps, but ignore the deeper hemorrhage: sessions never spiking because connections fail pre-net.

As explored in our basketball player shortage analysis, this team-matching void afflicts indoor court sports, turning potential spikes into silent sets while eager players – from casual to competitive – remain sidelined, unmatched and inactive.

How much longer can your volleyball venue survive when 40% of teams can’t assemble enough players to even warm up?