UK Beach Tour explained

The UK Beach Tour (UKBT) is the United Kingdom's national competition for beach volleyball players, coordinated in partnership with Volleyball England,^[1] Scottish Volleyball,^[2] and the Northern Irish Volleyball Federation.^[3] It was started in 2018 by Commonwealth Games Team England player Jake Shaef,^{[4] [5]} and now delivers dozens of beach volleyball events annually at venues around the UK, catering for all levels of ability, from entry level to elite.

A Junior Tour was introduced in 2021, though experienced juniors can also play in adult events. The tournaments are organised by individuals and clubs, in line with UKBT guidance.^{[6] [7]} Participant players are awarded points based on their ranking in UK and international tournaments, and these are coordinated into a national ranking system.^[8]

As well as Volleyball England, UKBT has partnerships with its ball sponsor, Wilson, and the disability charity My AFK.^[9]

UKBT event structure

The following UKBT event structure is detailed in the UKBT Handbook:

• Junior Tour: These are events for players in the Under-14 and Under-18 age categories. They last 1–2 days.
• 1-Star, 2-Star and 3-Star tournaments: These are local events for mixed or single gender teams. They last 1–2 days.
• 4-Star tournaments: These 2-day events are aimed at "the UK’s top and developing players".
• 5-Star tournaments (Grand Slam Series): These 2-day events are aimed at elite players.

External links

• UK Beach Tour
• UKBT Handbook 2021
• Volleyball England
• Beach Volleyball Facilities in Great Britain

Notes and References

1. Web site: UK Beach Tour . Volleyball England . Volleyball England . 12 April 2021 .
2. Web site: Scottish Volleyball partnership with UKBT, 22nd April 2022 . Scottish Volleyball . 17 June 2023.
3. Web site: Northern Ireland: Welcome to the Tour! . UK Beach Tour . 17 June 2023.
4. Web site: UK BEACH TOUR LTD . Companies House . 12 April 2021.
5. Web site: Jake Shaef . Team England . Team England . 12 April 2021.
6. Web site: UKBT Handbook 2021 . UK Beach Tour . UKBT . 12 April 2021.
7. Web site: UKBT Event Organiser Guide . UK Beach Tour . UKBT . 12 April 2021 .
8. Web site: UKBT National Rankings . UK Beach Tour . UKBT . 12 April 2021.
9. Web site: UKBT Partners . UKBT.