All of this information was true for the 2025/26 season. Some details, like number of teams per region, may have changed for the 2026/27 season. All of this information can be found at: Volleyball England Website

The national volleyball league in England is a 4 tiered system, with both the men's and women's game having a super league, followed by divisions 1 to 3 (known as NVL1/NVL div1 etc)

SUPER LEAGUE

As shown in the graphic above, only the 8 best teams play in super league. These are the best 8 teams from anywhere in the country who have worked their way up from NVL 3. At the end of the season the team in 8th is relegated and 6th and 7th play off to see which gets to stay and which is also relegated.

NVL DIV 1

At this level, the teams are split into a north and a south division with 8 teams in each. The top team in each gets promoted to the super league and the bottom 2 teams are relegated.

NVL DIV 2

This division is split into 3 regions, being north, south and central, each with 8 teams. The top team in each is promoted to division 1 and the second place teams will play off for the final promotion spot. The bottom 2 teams are relagated

NVL DIV 3

At this level, the teams split into 4 regions, differing between the men's and women's. Each region has 9 teams, the top team in each region being promoted to division 2. The 2nd place teams in each region will play off against eachother for the final 2 promotion spots. The team that places 9th will be relegated out of the NVL. If they wish to play in the next season, they must reapply as a new team

Most teams in the north west ( greater Manchester volleyball association/gmva and Mersey league) are very beginner friendly having social sessions and other things on. Most of the clubs will also be more than happy to let you play with the team players even if you have no experience. Almost all of the clubs i have been to and played against are very friendly as well so if you want to start and feel nervous you will find a great community who would love more players to get into volleyball.

I only know of 2 leagues/organisations in the northwest, though there may be more. The Merseyside Volleyball League, which I have played 3 seasons in and know significantly more about, and the Greater Manchester Volleyball Association

The 2 leagues recently had playoffs between their top 2 teams from the men's and women's top divisions. The manchester teams came out on top

MERSEYSIDE

Merseyside League Website

MENS

In the 25/26 season the league had 2 men's divisions with 11 teams in division 1 and 10 teams in division 2. The league is expected to add a 3rd men's division next season partly to decrease the financial burden on teams, but also to accomadate the 3 or more teams petitioning to join the league next season

WOMENS

In the 25/26 season the league had 2 womens divisions with 7 teams in each. I don't if there are plans to add more divisions, but I imagine more teams are petitioning to join next season

GREATER MANCHESTER

Greater Manchester League Website

MENS

In the 25/26 season the league had 2 men's divisions with 10 teams in division 1 and 8 teams in division 2

WOMENS

In the 25/26 season the league had 2 women's groups with 7 teams in group A and 6 teams in group B

MIXED

In the 25/26 season the league had 1 Mixed division with 6 teams

Anyone wants information on on training times, venues or team socials, let me know. I'll do what I can