The Australian Masters Games will be held in Perth in October 2021, offering competition in 30+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+ and 60+age groups.
In the lead up to the event, we’re taking a look at some of more experienced members of the volleyball community.
Meet John Sewell, Veteran of the Volleyball Scene
At 76, John Sewell might be Western Australia’s most experienced volleyball player.
John started playing volleyball at the YMCA Perth in 1962 and played Indoor Volleyball regularly at the gym on Murray Street. 58 years later, John’s still active, playing Indoor Beach Volleyball at the Joondalup Centre 2 to 3 times a week and occasionally more often.
John is a well known figure amongst the Western Australian Volleyball scene. A life Member, an ex-President (1975-1977) and an ex-staff member of Volleyball WA, John has been involved as a player, coach and administrator throughout his life. He was one of the founding members of Northern Stars Volleyball Club and he went on to set up Northern Suburbs Volleyball Academy to provide beginners with a pathway to Northern Stars.
John is passionate about Volleyball and believes in ‘coaching from the heart’. He coached Volleyball at Greenwood Senior High School for 14 years and toured with the students to Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. John still coaches too, running the Kids Volley centre at Hamersley for Volleyball WA. He finds it very satisfying to see juniors he’s introduced to the game rise up to the higher levels, and his son’s involvement in the State League helps keep him in touch with this level.
John remains a staunch supporter, an active player and a great role model for volleyball in Western Australia. Some of his best friends were met through Volleyball and it remains an integral part of his life to this day. The secret to his longevity? “Keep active, stay fit, and enjoy it because you’re still able to participate.”
A Sport with Many Role Models
John’s story just goes to show that you can play this beloved sport of ours at whatever age group, as long as you have the love and passion for the game.
Robyn Kuhl, CEO at Volleyball WA recognised the significance of John’s contributions to the sport over the years:
John Sewell has done many different activities with volleyball throughout his 76 years – he has been player, parent, coach, Club President (Northern Stars VC), Club Owner (Northern Suburbs Volleyball Academy), VWA staff member, VWA President (1975-1977), VWA Life Member (1985) and Northern Stars Life Member (2020). It’s a wonderful achievement for a fantastic gentleman!
The 2021 Australian Masters Games
The Australian Masters Games will be held in Perth from 9 – 16 October 2021. Open to those aged 30 years and above, the indoor volleyball will be held at Warwick Stadium and the beach volleyball tournament will be held at City Beach.
Registration for the indoor volleyball tournament will be open to teams of 7-12 . The beach volleyball tournament will include Pairs and Fours.
Volleyball WA have already convened a Masters Working Group and preparations are underway!
Getting Ready for the Australian Masters Games
The Perth Masters Beach Volleyball Tournament will be hosted by West Coast Beach Volleyball Club on Sunday, 24th January, 2021. It’s an ideal opportunity to start your preparations for the upcoming Australian Masters Games.
Teams will register in Pairs. Pairs will play in the morning, followed by some optional social mixed 4’s games and a BBQ in the afternoon. Full event information is available over at the event page.