Ireland will host European competition next week as Volleyball Ireland welcomes the return of international action to Dublin with the staging of the U18 Small Countries Association Championship from January 12–14.

The three-day event will be the first time the U18 SCA Championship has been delivered as a double-gender tournament.

Both men’s and women’s national teams will compete side by side, creating a shared international platform that reflects the sport’s emphasis on equality, pathway development and visibility.

Hosting both competitions together demonstrates Volleyball Ireland’s confidence in the organisation’s operational capability while reinforcing its commitment to developing the game across all levels and for both genders.

The Championship will see Ireland’s U18 men’s and women’s teams face opposition from fellow Small Countries Association nations in a tightly packed schedule of matches.

Both competitions will feature Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, while Liechtenstein will also play in the Women’s tournament.

There will be two sessions each day, starting at 11:00 and 17:00 with free admission to the first and €5 tickets available for the second.

For young Irish athletes, the opportunity to compete at European level on home soil is invaluable, providing exposure to international standards and environments that are difficult to replicate through domestic competition alone.

Beyond the court, the Championship is designed as a spectator-friendly event. Fast-paced matches, emerging European talent and a lively atmosphere are expected across the three days, with fixtures spread to allow supporters to attend multiple sessions.

Volleyball Ireland is encouraging clubs, families and the wider sporting community to engage with the event, positioning it as both a competitive tournament and a celebration of the sport.

Tickets for the U18 SCA Championship are now on sale, with organisers keen to see strong local support in the stands. Filling the venue will not only provide a home advantage for Irish teams but will also send a message to European federations about Ireland’s ability to host and grow international volleyball events.

Sport for Business Perspective

The U18 SCA Championship illustrates how strategically hosting youth international sport can deliver value beyond results alone. For Volleyball Ireland, the event supports athlete development, strengthens stakeholder engagement and enhances the sport’s visibility at a critical participation age. The double-gender format reflects modern expectations around equality and efficiency, while also creating a more compelling live product for fans. As governing bodies look to balance performance, participation and commercial sustainability, this Championship offers a strong example of how well-designed events can advance multiple objectives at once.

 

 

 

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