Volleyball

Our comprehensive volleyball programme is designed to nurture talent and fuel your passion for the sport whilst offering academic support for athletes.

A typical week will entail:

• Three two-hour team court sessions and up to five hours of position specific sessions
• One BUCS competition fixture
• One Super League fixture
• One individual and two team Strength & Conditioning sessions
• One – two performance analysis film sessions 

Players will also have access to:

• Daily on-court performance coaching
• Strength and conditioning coaching
• Performance analysis
• Use of our onsite Sports Therapy Clinic
• Access to campus accommodation
• Allocated lifestyle practitioner
• Workshop programmes with guidance in psychology and nutrition
• Complimentary gym membership
• Access sports science testing
• Individual / small group workouts 

Applications for our coveted sports scholarships and bursaries for the 2025-26 academic year are now open. Successful awards will only be offered subject to acceptance on a course at our Colchester Campus. Please be sure to read through the requirements and terms and conditions for the awards before applying. 

Future student-athletes eager to grow, develop, and strive for personal excellence are able to apply for our sport scholarships for 2025-26 from October. If you're up for the challenge and meet the academic eligibility criteria, we have generous fee waiver scholarships up to 100%, cash bursaries plus additional support packages available to financially help support your time here with us.

Scholarships are highly competitive, therefore applicable to athletes who have played at academy, county, national or international level in the UK or equivalent in your home country.

Alongside performance coaching, recipients of the Performance Sport Scholarship programme may also receive additional support services package benefits such as free kit, use of facilities and access to a range of support services worth up to of £1,500 per year (details outlined below). Our Performance Sport Scholarship programme has four different tiers:

*Some exceptional athletes in receipt of a tier 1 scholarship may also receive additional financial support.

Under tier 1 of the Performance Sport Scholarship programme, we award a number of tuition fee discounts to students on University of Essex undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses.

Volleyball fee discounts for students commencing their studies at Essex in 2025-26* are:

*subject to change 

Details and Deadlines

Deadline for volleyball scholarship applications is 31 May 2025.

Sports bursaries are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are linked to successful course applications at the University of Essex. It's crucial to meet the academic entry conditions for your chosen course to be eligible for a sport scholarship.

It's essential to adhere to these deadlines to ensure your eligibility for a sport scholarship at the University of Essex. Applications after this deadline will not be considered.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with the application process, please don't hesitate to email performancesport@essex.ac.uk

We are proud to be a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) delivery site. As a Sport England funded partnership between talented athletes, the University of Essex and national governing bodies of sport, we work together to develop the best young talent within the UK.

The TASS Dual Career Accreditation Scheme recognises an education institution’s commitment to dual career support for talented athletes who are in full time education. We are pleased to offer an enhanced level of academic flexibility and understanding to allow our athletes the ability to balance their studies with a demanding but rewarding sporting schedule.

Alongside a playing career, we also have a range of opportunities to support your professional growth, to navigate a path through placements including but not limited to Sports Therapy, Performance Analysis, Sport Science and game day support. 

Former England Senior National and Great Britain Volleyball Captain, Coach Porter, leads the Performance Volleyball program at Essex, driving the Essex Rebels and BUCS teams to one of the most respected in the country.

Working closely with Assistant Coach Chinery, they guide the men’s and women’s teams to overcome both mental and physical obstacles, giving each the opportunity to develop their own passion and goals within volleyball, with a global outlook and supportive of each player's goals. 

Sport scholars through our programmes have gone on to personal and academic success, venturing into professional playing contracts, coaching roles and rewarding employment opportunities. Since the volleyball program launched in 2013, of the 142 student-athletes, 25 have gone on to sign professional contracts and 30 have gained their first senior national team cap.

During your time at Essex, seize the chance to elevate your transferable skills. We provide platforms that spotlight your talents for potential employers in the UK. Your journey extends beyond the courts, laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling career.

Read about some of the successful athletes, past and present on our Performance Sport Blog.