University of Ulster Volleyball Club

Who are we?

We are UUC Volleyball, a passionate volleyball club based at the University of Ulster, Coleraine, with a mission to inspire more people to discover and embrace their love for volleyball. For over a decade, we have fostered a community that goes beyond just playing the sport. We’ve grown from a single team to now having a thriving volleyball ecosystem with a beginners team, an A team, a B team, and we’re even exploring the potential for a men’s team. But what truly sets us apart is our commitment to building a strong sense of community and connection—on and off the court. We host social events that celebrate our diversity, such as seasonal gatherings for Christmas, as well as birthday cards and community engagement initiatives that make every member feel valued. We're more than just a sports club; we’re a family that believes in supporting each other holistically, both as athletes and as individuals.

Our teams are constantly improving, and we’ve seen great progress in recent league competitions. Our A team has several exciting matches scheduled before Christmas, and our B team will have more lined up after the holiday season. This year, we’ve welcomed more beginners than ever before, and we are dedicated to creating more spaces for people to join, grow, and thrive in the sport.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Historically, UUC Volleyball primarily catered to high-level players, which inadvertently excluded beginners and those new to the sport. We believe that volleyball should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level or background. Our vision is to help more people discover the joy of volleyball and make it a welcoming space for groups who have traditionally been excluded. That’s why we are launching new initiatives specifically designed to engage a broader audience—those who have never played volleyball before or felt they couldn’t participate.

Our crowdfunding efforts are aimed at making volleyball more inclusive by offering beginner opportunities through initiatives like our BEMore tournaments and free beginner sessions. We want to break down barriers and create a pathway for more people to experience the sport in a supportive and encouraging environment.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The funds raised will go directly towards making these new opportunities a reality. Specifically, the money will be used to cover the costs of coaching, venue hire, and equipment needed for two BEMore tournaments, where beginners will be paired with experienced players, and for a series of 14 weekly beginner sessions. These sessions will allow people to try volleyball for free, removing financial obstacles and opening the door for new players from various backgrounds. Additionally, the money will help us reach out to and invite members of various societies across the university, including the International Society, St John LINKS Society, and others, ensuring a diverse and vibrant community of participants.

Community impact

Our vision goes beyond teaching volleyball. We want to create a community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their skill level or background. Volleyball has the power to bring people together, and through our BEMore tournaments and beginner sessions, we hope to foster an environment where connections are made, confidence is built, and a love for the sport is nurtured. By inviting traditionally excluded groups to take part in warm-ups, share their perspectives, and engage in a collaborative sporting environment, we aim to celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. The impact of this initiative could go far beyond just our club, potentially influencing a wider cultural shift towards inclusivity and collaboration within the university.

How you can play your part

We believe that with your help, we can make this vision a reality. There are four simple ways you can support us in reaching our target and creating lasting change:

Make a pledge: If you’re ready to back us, don’t wait! Your early support will build momentum and inspire others to join in.Spread the word: Share our project on your social media platforms and encourage others to get behind us. The more people who hear about us, the more support we can gather.Join the community: Whether you’re a player, volunteer, or supporter, we welcome everyone to be part of this exciting new chapter.Keep the conversation going: Engage with us, attend our events, or participate in our initiatives—you can help foster the community we’re striving to build.

Together, we can not only grow our club but create a space where everyone is welcomed, encouraged, and given the chance to experience the joy of volleyball.