Volleyball WA welcomes new club, the Perth Scorpions to the volleyball family this month. In just under 12 months the club has 75 members largely from the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as allies who are friends with and support the LGBTQIA+ community.
The club prides itself on being an all-inclusive, friendly, respectful, and open club where all people over the age of 18 years old are welcome. Life-long friends Scott and Alex who both identify as gay men within the community had been playing Indoor Beach Volleyball socially when ally and best friend Shae joined them and through their love of Volleyball the three friends set about formulating the idea to start a club. As the numbers grew so did an interest in the indoor hardcourt game.
Scott Ferrier, Club co-founder said, “The foundations of The Perth Scorpions are laid in a positive and inclusive Club culture. We believe we are only as strong as our most vulnerable members and as a committee and club, always strive to widen our reach so we can best serve as many people who may need somewhere to belong.”
Perth Scorpion Volleyball Club Secretary and founding member, Shae said, “There are so many research studies out there about the benefits of keeping active and being a part of a group or team on the improvement of mental health. Unfortunately, people within the LGBTQIA+ community are often a marginalised and targeted group in the community where suicide and mental health issues are rife. By creating the Perth Scorpions and promoting an inclusive environment, we know we have helped many people to feel a part of something bigger, feel welcomed and no longer feel alone”.
With the help of some sponsors, the club have been able to buy uniforms and equipment and host several social events for members. The club who trains at the Gold Netball Centre now field weekly teams in the Tuesday social competition at Loftus Recreation Centre.
“We now have a committee of five members and will be holding our first AGM soon. We’re still finding our feet being such a new club, but we recently held our first ‘Have A Go Day’ which attracted loads of new faces, and we can’t wait to see the club continue to grow and be a part of many new opportunities,” said Club co-founder Alex Burnett.
Volleyball WA is pleased to welcome new clubs that share our common values of inclusiveness, family, respect, growth, wellbeing, and accessibility and look forward to seeing them grow and participate in our events in the future too” said Volleyball CEO Robyn Kuhl.
For more information on the club, you can follow them on Facebook. For all things Volleyball in Western Australia please contact Volleyball WA on 9228 8522 or [email protected].