Development role for Popple
A20-year love affair with the game has now turned into a profession for Volleyball Horsham’s Tim Popple.
Popple has taken on the regional affiliates development officer role, which will see him work with volleyball associations across western Victoria as they strive to build participation at all levels.
“The position is one I have been watching out for for a while now and I’m excited about the prospects of working with some great people across the six affiliates associated with the role,” he said.
Popple will be responsible for helping Volleyball Horsham, Volleyball Ballarat, Sunraysia Volleyball Association, Warrnambool Volleyball Association, Bendigo Volleyball Association and Phantoms Volleyball Club.
Popple’s primary task in helping to build participation is implementing ‘Spikezone’ and sporting schools projects within each association.
“We have seen already after two successful programs in Horsham and Murtoa how kids can get a liking for the sport when introduced with accredited coaches,” he said.
“This transforms into association volleyball and an increase in participation.
“I’m really keen to get into the schools and to help teachers associated with the game to further their knowledge as well.”
Regional league
Popple is also excited about the prospects of building a regional league for seniors and juniors.
“We need to address the gap between domestic competition and state league and the establishment of a western region league should help do that,” he said.
“It will give those players who aren’t quite ready for state league an opportunity to represent their association as well as giving junior boys and girls the chance to play more representative volleyball outside of when they represent their schools.”
Popple has built up many great connections during his 20-year career, which will assist when he visits those associations.
“I have learned just as much off the court as I have on the court and hopefully I can pass on some of that knowledge to help the associations remain sustainable going forward,” he said.
“There’s no point trying to build participation in the sport if the new participants don’t have a welcoming and inclusive environment to go into.
“Club development is a key to the position as well.”
Popple will be sharing office space at Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly and one day a week will work with assembly staff with their projects.
“The assembly does some wonderful things for sport in the region and I will be using their expertise wherever I can to help progress the associations as well,” he said.
“This is an exciting time for volleyball in the region and I’m so happy to be playing a pivotal role.”