Volleyball is a team sport that is accessible to all ages, fitness, and skill levels. It can be played competitively or socially just for fun. It is a sport that can be readily adapted to suit any individuals’ circumstances and allows active participation in sport across our entire community.

Volleyball WA and its Affiliates are making volleyball more accessible by running several programs for Seniors, people with Intellectual Disabilities, and autism, as well as sitting volley for those with Physical Disabilities.

Our coaches will adapt the training to suit the group, elements like net heights, team numbers and ball types, standing, sitting on chairs, or sitting on the floor, can all be adapted to ensure the sessions are inclusive and enjoyable for all.

For those looking for a greater challenge, there are pathways to an elite level and representing your country. Sitting volleyball made its Paralympic debut at the Arnhem Paralympic Games in 1980. Sitting volleyball is open to athletes with a physical impairment and is played on a smaller court (10m x 6m) with a lower net than used in volleyball. Teams consist of mixed classes in male and female events, with 6 players on the court at a time. At all times, an athlete’s pelvis must be touching the ground, and service blocks are allowed. Teams from Europe and Asia feature very highly in world rankings. Australia will be working hard to build our opportunities as the Brisbane Olympics draw closer.

Volleyball is also included in the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics has grown from a backyard camp into a global movement that has been transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability for almost 50 years and today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries. Locally the Special Olympics began in Australia in 1976 and in October 2022, Launceston, Tasmania will host 1,080 athletes with intellectual disabilities who will compete in 10 different sports.

For more information on how you can participate in one of your Adaptive Volley programs visit our website.