Australia embarks on groundbreaking Sitting Volleyball journey in China
Australia’s sitting volleyball program is set to take a major leap forward as Volleyball Australia (VA) sends coaches and athletes to two significant events in Hangzhou, China. These initiatives mark crucial steps in Australia’s preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics, bringing renewed focus to the sport after years without international tours.
Pilot coaching program: Building expertise
From Saturday 19 to Tuesday 22 October, the World ParaVolley Level 2 Sitting Volleyball Coaching Course will take place in Hangzhou, offering an intensive development opportunity for coaches. As a pilot initiative for World ParaVolley, this course represents a landmark moment in the global development of sitting volleyball coaching standards.
VA has nominated four coaches – Brad Barclay, Max Vollebergh, Scott Handley, and Nam Pham – to participate, each committed to enhancing their skills and expertise. The knowledge gained will be instrumental in elevating the quality and professionalism of Australia’s sitting volleyball programs.
Club Cup offers first international test in 17 years
Following the coaching course, Australia’s athletes will compete in the World ParaVolley Asia-Oceania Sitting Volleyball Club Cup, held in Hangzhou from 25 to 30 October. This competition focuses on supporting countries with emerging programs by offering a relaxed environment without ranking points or qualification outcomes for major tournaments such as the World Championships or Paralympics.
VA will field both men’s and women’s teams, marking Australia’s first overseas tour in sitting volleyball since 2007. The selection process culminated in a camp held at the Paralympics Australia Training Centre in Melbourne, where athletes prepared for their first taste of international competition.
The tournament also provides opportunities for athletes to undergo classification assessments and experience high-level competition. The rules around classification will be more flexible, fostering inclusivity and development across participating nations.
Building towards Brisbane 2032
These two events – coaching development and international competition – are pivotal in laying the groundwork for VA’s long-term strategy. With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, participation in these activities is a vital step toward building competitive teams that will represent Australia at the Paralympic Games.
“The Club Cup and coaching course mark the beginning of a new era for Australian Sitting Volleyball,” said Nam Pham, VA Sport Delivery and Growth General Manager. “This experience will help us develop both the technical side and the team culture we need to succeed on the world stage.”
VA extends its gratitude to Paralympics Australia for its support in making this initiative possible. With renewed energy and a clear path forward, the sport is poised for a bright future, with sights set firmly on Brisbane and beyond.
| Women’s Team | Men’s Team | |||||
| Joanna | Argaet | VIC | Bradley | Barclay | WA | |
| Charlotte | Bellsmith | VIC | Damian | Byrnes | QLD | |
| Kiya | Charles | VIC | Matthew | Cameron | QLD | |
| Erika | Gosney | VIC | Jayden | Coffey | TAS | |
| Natalie | Horobin | WA | Japhy | Duldig | NSW | |
| Bronwyn | McColl | NSW | Adam | Jackson | QLD | |
| Janna | Mizens | NSW | Caleb | Logan | VIC | |
| Evie | Ruffle | WA | Luke | Manhire | SA | |
| Mikayla | Tuppurainen | VIC | Rye | Shawcroft | VIC | |
| Staff | |||
| Nam | Pham | ACT | Head of Delegation |
| Sonia | Stamenkovic | QLD | Coach |
| Glenn | Pyne | QLD | Coach |
| Max | Vollebergh | VIC | Coach |
| Scott | Handley | VIC | Coach |
| Saara | Stevenson | ACT | Therapist |
