Our Volleyball Academy has built up a reputation for helping to take students to the next level, with professional training taking place up to four times a week.

Coach Paul Welsh has a rather impressive history within the volleyball industry. With over 20 years’ experience of playing the sport, he moved into full time coaching after retiring as a player in 2015. He has led the Academy team to multiple National titles and success in the Tees Valley and North East Leagues on numerous occasions.

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FAQs

Our players have headed to compete at the likes of the AOC National Cup and the Local League!

After completing their studies at the College and in our volleyball sports academy, a high percentage of our students continue to play the sport at a high level!

We also have alumni playing at the likes of Teesside University, Northumbria University (which happens to be the best programme in the country!) and York University, with one student even representing the North East for volleyball!


We frequently take part in championships throughout the country - more recently we were placed 4th in the Mens National Finals in Nottingham!

We have had a number of students that are new to the sport join the academy and turn out to have a real talent.


  • A minimum of two coaching sessions a week (with the opportunity for four)
  • Well-planned training focused around individual needs
  • Sessions planned around training and games
  • The opportunity to play in numerous championships
  • Access to the College physiology lab, sports massages and strength and conditioning
  • The chance to work towards a scholarship

Our players wear Nike and Middlesbrough College branded kit and play with the latest, top-end Misaka equipment

Coach Bio

Paul Welsh

Paul Welsh has been the head coach of the Middlesbrough College Volleyball Academy for the last 9 years.

Throughout his time coaching he has lead the team to multiple National Titles and success in the Tees Valley and North East Leagues.

Paul has over 20 years’ experience of playing volleyball and moved into full time coaching after retiring from playing in 2015.

Paul finished his playing career for Team Northumbria where he played in the Super 8’s in one of the most successful Volleyball programmes the country has ever seen.

Since retiring, Paul has progressed to coaching both the men’s and women’s programmes at Northumbria University, and is also currently the Head Coach of the England U19 Junior Women’s Programme. This includes coaching international volleyball on a monthly basis, and competitions both in the UK and Europe.


What our academy students say...


Middlesbrough College Volleyball Academy

Shannon Walton
L3 Sports Leadership

I knew Paul before coming to the College through volleyball and he encouraged me to join the Academy. Since doing so I’ve really been able to improve my skills - I couldn’t serve before so I’m really pleased that this is something I’ve been able to pick up! The coaching is brilliant.

I’m also loving my course. The teachers are always on hand to offer support where needed and I’m learning new things everyday. I feel like I’ve picked up the necessary skills and knowledge for university - when I graduate I’m keen to either become a sports coach in volleyball or work as a PE teacher!