Opportunities await volleyballers
Preparations are underway for another big year for Volleyball Horsham.
The season kicks off on Saturday in Bendigo for Horsham’s elite and emerging talent, when Phantoms Volleyball Club commences selection trials for the State League season.
A new look State League season will be in place this year as Australian Volleyball League, AVL, gets reshuffled with the advent of ‘AVL Superleague’ running from the start of August and finishing at the end of September.
This reshuffle means that State League will only be 11 rounds, with each team playing each other once.
State League is set to start on April 15.
Volleyball Horsham had 10 members play with Phantoms last season.
It is expected these numbers could increase, with some academy members showing an interest in developing their game further as well as some older members returning to the fold.
The women will kick off proceedings on Saturday at 10am followed by the men at 1pm, with trials at the Bendigo Stadium.
With Phantoms represented across multiple divisions there is a division for anyone who wishes to play.
On Wednesday next week, between 6pm and 7.30pm, keen youngsters wishing to take their volleyball to the next level are encouraged to attend the first selection trial for the Volleyball Horsham Academy program.
The program enjoyed a successful 2022, with 26 athletes participating across both the boys and girls’ programs.
Paige Hemley made the Vic White under-15 team, while the girls won the Junior Country Champs, with the boys claiming silver, so everyone involved is looking forward to bringing on the next group of youngsters, at the same time continuing to develop those returning.
The second trial will be the following Wednesday. Entries are now being taken across all grades for Volleyball Horsham’s summer season.
The association finished last year with more than 270 members who played across six grades of competition and are excited for the year ahead.
Monday night competition consists of B and C grades, with the association keen to cater for more junior teams in 2023.
Wednesday night competition caters for A Grade and A Reserve as well as the women’s competition.
Already there has been good enquiry from female players keen to get involved in this competition.
The atmosphere is welcoming and encouraging, with each team responsible for a musical playlist each week. This innovation proved popular last season and the association is keen to keep the fun vibe happening.
Teams and individuals interested in participating in any grade of competition are advised to follow the link on the association’s website or email info@volleyballhorsham.com.au Entries close on February 15. The association will host its AGM on Wednesday next week, February 8, from 7.30pm at St Brigid’s College stadium in Horsham; volunteers are always welcome to become a committee members.