Volleyball WA (VWA) congratulates John Sewell for being awarded a WA Volunteer Service Award during National Volunteer Week 2021.

The annual WA Volunteer Service Awards recognise Western Australian volunteers who have provided 25 years or more of voluntary service within our community. John has clocked up well over this number and Volleyball WA is pleased he has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to our sport.

John, now 76 started playing volleyball in 1962 at YMCA Perth. He was the President of Volleyball WA from 1975 – 77 and Vice President in 1978. He is a current VWA Life Member in fact one of the first two ever appointed. He joined the VWA Junior Committee in 2016 and continues his affiliation with the VWA.

He started his coaching career at the Balcatta Volleyball Club and was there from 2000 – 2009 before becoming a founding member of the Northern Stars Volleyball Club. He held the role of President from 2009 – 2013 while also taking up the role of Junior Coordinator. He has a genuine passion for developing young players also coaching at Greenwood Senior High School for 14 years taking teams to compete in the High Schools Cup in Melbourne.

John started Northern Suburbs Volleyball Academy with the goal of increasing the awareness of the game saying “he now finds himself with time to put more energy back into this great sport. His efforts will be focussed on the northern suburbs of Perth, coaching all age groups from beginners to social players wanting to improve their skills.”

In addition, he remains involved in the Northern Stars Volleyball Club along with the Joondalup Indoor Beach Volleyball Centre where he still plays twice a week.

John shows no signs of slowing down and is clearly a worthy recipient of this award.