Final selection of the Blues squads will occur over subsequent sessions in order to gauge the ability and commitment of the players, and to cut the squad down to around 18-20 players. Of these, 12-14 will typically be experienced players who will form the nucleus of the team for matches throughout the season. However both coaches will also select 6-8 players who may not be particularly experienced, but whom the coaches feel have shown enthusiasm and potential for the future. These players will frequently be asked to train with both the Blues squads and United Colleges teams, with the aim of improving their technique so that they may become key players in subsequent seasons.

Those not initially selected for the Blues squads will be subdivided into four United Cambridge College (UCC) squads. These teams will also be trained by experienced coaches, but with a greater emphasis on enjoyment and developing basic technique than is the case for the more intense Blues sessions. The Blues team coaches will also attend the sessions in order to monitor the progress of players. Players will be able to represent the University in the Cambridgeshire Local League and Northants League.

We cannot emphasise strongly enough that the initial selection process is NOT binding for the whole season. On the contrary, players frequently move between teams. Beginner players who show sufficient improvement will be asked to join the Intermediate training sessions. Similarly, the coaches of the Blues teams will oversee the Intermediates sessions in order to identify players who show sufficient ability to be elevated into the Blues squads. It is quite common for players initially selected for the Blues squads to subsequently decide that they cannot commit to the more intense schedule, and voluntarily move to the Intermediates team. In such cases, promising Intermediates players will be asked to join the Blues squads in their place.

The aim of the selection process is primarily to allow players to train at a level appropriate to their ability, in order that they should enjoy playing volleyball and get as much as possible out of their training sessions, both in sporting and social terms.