A Community Development Coach (CDC) scheme has been unveiled by Volleyball England as part of its wider Can You Dig It campaign in a bid to increase awareness and participation in the sport.

Unveiled at the new National Volleyball Centre in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the national governing body has appointed 14 coaches tasked with getting 5,000 more young people playing volleyball across England. Funded by Volleyball England and its partners, including School Sport Partnerships, Premier League football clubs, primary care trusts, local authorities and county sport partnerships, the CDC programme aims to have 20 coaches in place by April 2010.

CDCs, who all have at least three years experience in coaching volleyball, will help to train new players, encourage potential event organisers, and ensure that talented young players receive the opportunity to progress. Lisa Wainwright, chief executive officer of Volleyball England, said: "It's a really exciting time for volleyball in this country, with increased funding from Sport England and a real focus to increase the number people playing the sport.

"Our goal is to show people that it's a great sport for men and women of all ages to enjoy in the park, beach or in a leisure centre, so we are excited about the future."