Over the last seven months Volleyball WA have been travelling throughout regional WA as part of the Alcohol. Think Again Regional Accessible Education program. With a focus on developing self-sufficient regional hubs, Volleyball WA has been able to support the growth of Volleyball throughout regional WA.
These trips have seen Volleyball WA deliver coaching and referee courses, governance workshops, teacher PD’s and Spikezone sessions to more than 200 local volleyball enthusiasts in seven regional cities.
Through grants from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Volleyball WA has engaged volleyball communities in Albany, Esperance, Bunbury, Collie, Mandurah, Kalgoorlie and Karratha.
“We’re committed to developing Volleyball from the ground up, which means focusing on the grassroots of the sport and its surrounding infrastructure; coaches, referees and clubs.” Volleyball WA CEO Robyn Kuhl said.
A cornerstone of the program’s success will be the ongoing development of a strong relationship between the state body and its regional affiliates. Volleyball WA’s CEO Robyn Kuhl believes this is well underway, with both stakeholders determined to help promote the sport and the health lifestyle that comes with playing Volleyball.
“Volleyball is a game for all, whether you are rural or metro based. The grants we’ve been able to get through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries mean we can spend real time with local stakeholders and enhance the sport’s profile.”
One of the program’s best success stories is the work being undertaken in Karratha at the North West Volleyball Association. Volleyball WA staff have assisted the North West Volleyball Association in developing and implementing a Spikezone competition and Junior League for local students. Game and Workforce Development Coordinator Cecily Clay recently had the opportunity to witness a Junior League training session in Karratha and was encouraged by the work of the local club.
“The Alcohol. Think Again Regional Accessible Education program is all about getting local clubs and organisations excited about Volleyball and training them to deliver a quality experience. It’s great to see so many enthusiastic volleyball volunteers throughout regional WA who are willing to go above and beyond to start volleyball programs for juniors.” Clay said.
Volleyball WA’s regional trips have engaged people young and old, from Spikezone sessions at Albany’s Flinders Park Primary School to Level Two Referee courses in Kalgoorlie. Among the most popular sessions were Teacher PD days in Bunbury and Kalgoorlie with 16 teachers taking part.
Volleyball WA are currently working on plans to expand the Alcohol. Think Again Regional Accessible Education program to more areas throughout rural Western Australia. To find out more or to discover how your club can get involved please contact Volleyball WA.