Volleyball clinics net new fans

Volleyball WA plans to heavily push its sport in Geraldton and the Mid West.

The organisation has been buoyed by a trip here and the reaction of schools and students to it.

“It was great to hear so many students were enthusiastic and enjoyed the (volleyball) clinics,” Volleyball WA chief executive officer Robyn Kuhl said.

“We are committed to developing volleyball in the Mid West from the ground up.

“By building new relationships with key organisations, we feel confident our new Places to Play strategy will help provide a strong and lasting legacy in the area.”

Volleyball WA delivered seven sessions to more than 100 students at three high schools in the Mid West this year. It was a “suck it and see” exercise, which will next year be turned into a bigger recruiting drive.

The body facilitated teacher and coaching opportunities to begin building the foundation of a sporting pathway in the Mid West.

Because volleyball is a Year 12 examination sport for ATAR, the State body said it was committed to providing development opportunities for students in the lead-up to exams.

Volleyball WA plans to work with regional affiliates and schools to develop self-sufficient regional volleyball hubs, including Geraldton, Bunbury, Albany, Kalgoorlie and Broome. Locally, social volleyball is growing.

“It is played two nights (Tuesday, Thursday) a week at the Aquarena pool,” voluntary organiser Fred Pritchard said.

“There are only two courts and no organised competition, however the interest is there and the numbers are increasing.

“People come and go a little, depending on what other sports are on. If the winds are up, the windsurfers are probably missing.

“Then there are those with commitments to other sports, which we fit in with.

“We have had talks about developing the sport and run a competition at least once a year. It’s all voluntary, but volleyball is growing.”