April *Camp* Wrapped
Throughout April, the National Performance Program conducted five domestic national camps and three international tours engaging a total of 200 athletes and 40 coaches.
The five domestic camps were held at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, as well as international tours including the Thailand Tour, Japan Tour, and the Oceania Beach Volleyball Championships.
U18 Women’s Japan Tour
At the end of March, a squad of 14 athletes from the Youth Women’s Squad traveled to Japan to compete in a 12-day, friendly tournament against some local teams in Tokyo. It was a great experience for the athletes to learn and understand the ins and outs of an international tour and working around jet lag, and different cultures.
Throughout the tour, the team competed in many friendly matches against local Japanese squads and university teams, providing an invaluable opportunity to test their skills against strong international opponents. The matches were highly competitive and gave athletes a first-hand look at Japan’s technical playing style and disciplined approach to the game.
Oceania Beach Volleyball Championships
In early April, four U18 athletes and two coaches represented Australia at the Oceania Beach Volleyball Championships held in the Solomon Islands. Competing over four action-packed days, both the men’s and women’s teams delivered outstanding performances on the sand.
The U18 Men’s team emerged victorious, claiming the gold medal after a dominant campaign, while the U18 Women’s team showcased resilience and skill, earning a well deserved silver medal in a competitive field. The championship provided a fantastic opportunity for international experience, and the athletes demonstrated composure, teamwork, and skill through the humidity.
Canberra Camps
The Canberra based camps spanned 20 days and hosted five of out six Junior National squads. These camps coincided with public holidays and marked the first high performance environment experience for many athletes.
The two U16 squads travelled to Canberra for their selection camps ahead of their respective 2025 Men’s and Women’s Asian Volleyball Championships in July. In addition to the rigorous training, athletes enjoyed memorable moments off the court.
On Easter Sunday, the U16/18 Men and U16 Girls, who were onsite, participated in an Easter egg hunt around the courts. The U20 Men attended the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial, followed by a BBQ breakfast by the lake.
The involvement of Dan Ilott, Brendan Garlick, and Russell Borgeaud – coaches of the Volleyroos Men’s and Women’s teams – was instrumental in delivering targeted development sessions under the Volleyroos for 2032 Talent Development Program. Volleyball Australia gratefully acknowledges the support of FIVB Empowerment Funding, which continues to play a vital role in the advancement of athlete and coach development nationwide.
“The U20 girls had their camp to select the team for their upcoming Japan tour, and overall I thought it was a great camp all around, with lots of growth and learning to add to their experience. The girls work ethic was commendable, both on and off the court.
Trainings were met with good focus and an open mind to take on feedback from coaches, and it was great to see the competitiveness throughout the group when it came to game play. This was also reflective of the standard the girls wanted to set themselves as a squad from the start, and I thought they did a great job at upholding that.
It’s not often that the whole squad gets to be all together, so it’s enjoyable seeing the girls bond and make new friendships, which I believe plays an important part in having a coherent group. – Britney Carlson
U18 Thailand Tour
From 14–29 April, Volleyball Australia sent 34 athletes, two U18 Men’s teams and an U18 Women’s team, along with five coaches and two scouts, on an exciting international development tour to Thailand. The teams competed in the annual Thailand Junior Volleyball Championships, one of the largest youth tournaments in the region, featuring over 100 teams from across Asia.
Throughout the tournament, athletes were exposed to a high level of competition, facing a range of playing styles and tactical approaches from strong domestic Thai teams. The intensity and pace of the event provided a valuable opportunity for player growth, learning, and adaptation in a dynamic volleyball environment. A highlight was the U18 Men’s Gold Team making it out of their pool and almost securing a place in the quarter finals.
In addition to their on-court experiences, the tour focused on team culture, personal development, and commemorating shared values. The group held an ANZAC Day ceremony within the Australian delegation, which included an intra-country commemorative match to honour the occasion. Athletes also enjoyed some light-hearted fun during a team Easter egg hunt, adding to the overall sense of camaraderie and connection throughout the tour.
The Thailand Tour was more than just a competition…it was an opportunity to grow as athletes and individuals, to experience international volleyball at scale, and to proudly represent Australia with commitment, sportsmanship, and national pride.
