Dates: Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 October 2025
Venue: Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, Loughborough University
This will be Volleyball England’s first major indoor event at its new base in Loughborough, following the move from the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering.
Saturday: DYNAMIK Men’s Super League
Four fixtures get the season underway on Saturday:
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University of Nottingham vs London Giants
Freddie Fairbairn’s Green & Gold face the reigning champions in a tough opener after narrowly missing last year’s Final 4. -
Leeds Gorse vs Essex Rebels
The newly promoted Division 1 winners meet last season’s overall runners-up. -
Malory Eagles UEL vs Newcastle Knights
A chance for the regular-season runners-up to avenge last year’s Opening Weekend 3–2 loss to the Knights. -
Durham Palatinates vs Richmond Docklands
The 2023–24 champions look to rebound from a mid-table 2024–25 as Docklands arrive fresh from retaining their top-flight status via the play-offs.
Sunday: MAAREE Women’s Super League
Attention turns to the women’s competition on Sunday:
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Durham Palatinates vs Darkstar Derbyshire
Darkstar return after staying up through the play-offs. -
Team SideOut Polonia vs London Vinarius
A re-run of last season’s Final 4 bronze medal match between the capital rivals. -
Malory Eagles UEL vs Newcastle Knights
The defending champions and double winners begin their title defence against the newly promoted NVL Division 1 champions. -
Essex Rebels vs Leeds Gorse
Last season’s overall runners-up face a youthful Leeds side on the rise.
“A first real indicator” for the new season
Rob Payne, Volleyball England’s Strategic Manager for An Ace Service, said the league’s busy summer makes Opening Weekend “a first real indicator” of who has recruited well and which new faces could shape the title race. He added that the partnership with Loughborough — renowned for sporting excellence — offers locals and students an ideal chance to watch top-level volleyball on their doorstep.
Tickets & broadcast
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Tickets: On sale now at volleystore.co.uk with discounted prices for students, seniors, children and families.
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Watch live: All games will be streamed on the Volleyball England YouTube channel for those who can’t attend.
If you’re in the East Midlands, this is a rare opportunity to see elite men’s and women’s volleyball in one venue — with local interest from University of Nottingham and Darkstar Derbyshire across the weekend.