Volleyball England has launched the UK's first National Volleyball Academy at Loughborough College.

The National Volleyball Academy will offer junior players aged 16 to 17 daily training environments with the aim to create a core group of junior athletes who are prepared for international competition.

Craig Handford, head of technical development at Volleyball England said: "In order to think seriously about success at junior international level, a significant change is required in the way that we prepare our talented junior players.

"For many years the powerhouse nations of volleyball have had networks of full time training centres for junior talent development, where players are housed and educated centrally with professional coaching and support services.

"Loughborough College is the best place for our National Volleyball Academy to be with the highest levels of student/athlete support and high class facilities."

The first intake of students has now entered the academy where they will benefit from professional coaching, appropriate support and ancillary services.

As part of the scheme, Volleyball England has appointed Rogerio Ponticelli as its new full-time development coach.