Belconnen High School set for landmark first appearance at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup
The excitement continues to build ahead of the 41st Australian Volleyball Schools Cup, with Belconnen High School preparing to make its debut when more than 540 teams descend on the Gold Coast from 7-13 December.
For the ACT school, one of Canberra’s smaller secondary campuses with just 600 students, the opportunity represents a major step forward for a volleyball program that has rapidly gained momentum throughout 2025.
Backed by strong results at home and a passionate school community, Belconnen will send four teams to their first-ever Schools Cup, marking a milestone moment for the school’s athletes and staff.
Leading the charge is Executive Physical Education & Sport teacher Graeme Budd, whose connection to Schools Cup dates back more than three decades.
Budd first competed in the tournament himself in 1992-93, and has since coached at every AVSC since 1998, across multiple ACT schools.
“Teachers in the ACT are forced to move schools quite regularly,” Budd said.
“And at each school I’ve been able to start a volleyball program with AVSC as the carrot that brings students in.”
Across Narrabundah, Campbell, Stromlo, Lyneham, Lake Ginninderra College, and now Belconnen High, his influence has helped shape volleyball pathways for generations of ACT athletes.
One of his proudest memories includes coaching the highly successful Lake Ginninderra College teams in recent years, a recent milestone when he received his 25-year AVSC participation award, alongside his daughter.
Despite Belconnen having never attended Schools Cup before, 2025 has been a breakout year.
Belconnen High made the ACT final in three of four age groups at the ACT High School titles, a result that sparked enthusiasm across the entire school community.
“Due to this success and the enthusiasm of the school community, we are taking four teams to AVSC,” Budd said.
“Nearly all the players are new to volleyball, but they are super keen and excited about the tournament.”
The school has recorded its highest-ever participation numbers across both indoor and beach volleyball events this year, further strengthening the foundation for the trip to the Gold Coast.
Throughout the year, Belconnen’s four squads have been training once a week for nearly three full terms, building confidence, skill and team identity as they prepare to face opponents from across Australia and New Zealand.
As Belconnen High prepares for its Schools Cup debut, coach Graeme highlighted several emerging talents across the four squads.
“In our Year 8 Girls team, Io Thompson is an incredible multi-sport athlete,” he said.
“She’s already represented the ACT in cricket, football and futsal, and she only just helped Belconnen win the National Schools Futsal title in Queensland. Her athleticism has transitioned effortlessly into volleyball.
“For the Year 8 Boys, Lachlan is our only experienced ACT rep player. His leadership and quality setting will be crucial for the team.
“Juliet in our Year 10 Girls teams is a real hitting weapon, her all-round skill set means other teams will definitely have to plan around her.
“On the Year 10 Boys side, Mitchell is our first ever player to be invited to a national camp. He’s a tall, composed setter who can also hit with power, and he’s going to be a key figure for us.”
With none of the Belconnen athletes having attended AVSC before, excitement is at an all-time high.
“They are all super excited and cannot wait,” Budd said.
“For many of them, this will be the biggest sporting experience they’ve ever had.”
With a keen group of players and a coach who’s shaped volleyball across the ACT for years, Belconnen High’s first trip to the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup is the start of an exciting new chapter for the school.
