Senior international volleyball returns to home soil in Ireland for the first time in over two decades this weekend.
The European Small Countries Association (ESCA) Women’s Championship will be hosted at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown, welcoming teams from Ireland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and San Marino.
The five-nation tournament carries added significance this year, as it will be the first time FIVB World Ranking points are awarded, a significant development for the growth of elite volleyball in Ireland and across the Small Countries Association region.
A strong line-up of commercial and community partners has come on board to support the event, including Spanish Point Technologies, NineSquared, Ryse Chocolate, Sleek n Easy, CNicc Consulting, Sport Narrative, and Fingal County Council.
The sport had put together a coherent package of partnership opportunities, and knowing what to ask and what to deliver to companies has paid off.
Ireland’s team will be led by captain Emily Frazell, who expressed her pride and excitement ahead of stepping onto the court in front of a home crowd.
“We’re so excited to be on our home court, representing our country here in Dublin,” said Frazell. “Playing in front of our friends and family is special — it means a lot to us. We can’t wait to get on court and entertain our fans.”
The championship will feature round-robin matches between the five nations, with every point earned contributing not just to the final standings but also to global rankings.
Volleyball Ireland CEO Gary Stewart described the tournament as a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth at both grassroots and elite levels.
“Hosting an event of this stature on home soil is a significant moment for our programme,” he said. “It’s a key strategic ambition to give our role models and ambassadors a chance to showcase their skills here in Ireland.”
“It’s going to be a great weekend of volleyball and I urge people to pop over to the Sport Ireland Campus and check it out — it’s a great family day out.”
Watch the Instagram Reel promoting the event
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FRIDAY 27TH JUNE
13:00 – ICELAND vs SAN MARINO
16:30 – NORTHERN IRELAND vs SCOTLAND
19:00 – IRELAND vs ICELAND
SATURDAY 28TH JUNE
11:30 – IRELAND vs NORTHERN IRELAND
14:00 – SCOTLAND vs SAN MARINO
17:30 – ICELAND vs NORTHERN IRELAND
20:00 – IRELAND vs SAN MARINO
SUNDAY 29TH JUNE
11:00 – ICELAND vs SCOTLAND
14:30 – NORTHERN IRELAND vs SAN MARINO
17:00 – SCOTLAND vs IRELAND
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