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
Notes and References
- Web site: UK Beach Tour . Volleyball England . Volleyball England . 12 April 2021 .
- Web site: Scottish Volleyball partnership with UKBT, 22nd April 2022 . Scottish Volleyball . 17 June 2023.
- Web site: Northern Ireland: Welcome to the Tour! . UK Beach Tour . 17 June 2023.
- Web site: UK BEACH TOUR LTD . Companies House . 12 April 2021.
- Web site: Jake Shaef . Team England . Team England . 12 April 2021.
- Web site: UKBT Handbook 2021 . UK Beach Tour . UKBT . 12 April 2021.
- Web site: UKBT Event Organiser Guide . UK Beach Tour . UKBT . 12 April 2021 .
- Web site: UKBT National Rankings . UK Beach Tour . UKBT . 12 April 2021.
- Web site: UKBT Partners . UKBT.