A new era of athlete development for Western Australian volleyball
Volleyball WA is excited to announce the launch of the Steel Academy, introducing an expanded, year-round development program designed to support the next generation of Western Australian volleyball talent, targeting youth athletes born between 2010 and 2015.
Building on Volleyball WA’s new competitions framework and established athlete pathways, the Steel Academy will offer a structured and progressive training environment for athletes building their fundamental skills, those already representing WA in State Teams, and emerging high-performance players pursuing National and elite volleyball opportunities.
The Steel Academy will feature three tiers, Foundations, Development and Performance providing athletes with coaching, training and support suited to their stage of development. The Academy will focus on developing the complete athlete, combining technical and tactical volleyball training with physical preparation and mental performance strategies. With an emphasis on long-term development, the program aims to build the skills, confidence and consistency athletes need to succeed at increasingly competitive levels.
A key feature of the new structure is its integration with the broader Western Australian volleyball pathway. The Steel Academy will complement club volleyball and State Team programs, providing a consistent training environment for athletes already representing WA as well as those aspiring to future selection. Athletes will have opportunities to progress between Academy tiers as their skills and readiness develop, while Performance athletes will benefit from additional strength and conditioning support and training opportunities across indoor and beach volleyball.
The launch represents an exciting step forward for Western Australian volleyball, creating more opportunities for young athletes to challenge themselves, reach their potential and pursue their ambitions in the sport.
Coaches will play a central role in bringing the Academy to life, creating challenging and supportive environments where athletes can build strong fundamentals, develop game understanding and grow in confidence. The expanded program will also provide opportunities for coaches to collaborate, share knowledge and develop their skills within Volleyball WA’s performance pathway.
Athletes who represented Western Australia in 2026 State Teams, along with other athletes identified through Volleyball WA programs, will receive invitations to join one of the Academy’s three tiers based on their current stage of development. Other interested athletes are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest for consideration.
Be Part of the Steel Academy in 2027!
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open for athletes and coaches interested in joining the 2027 Steel Academy. Whether you are looking to take the next step as an athlete or contribute to the development of WA’s emerging volleyball talent as a coach, we encourage you to get involved.
Athletes, families and coaches are encouraged to explore the 2027 Steel Academy Information Pack for further information on the program, including its structure, eligibility, training commitments, fees and selection process.
Be part of the Steel Academy in 2027 and help shape the future of WA volleyball!
Learn more about the Steel Academy: https://volleyballwa.com.au/steel-academy-2/