Australian U18 Girls gain valuable experience at AVC Asian Championships

Australia’s U18 Girls team has returned from the 2026 AVC U18 Asian Volleyball Championships in Thailand after a memorable international campaign that showcased the team’s growth, resilience and potential.

For many of the athletes, the tournament was their first experience competing at an international championship, while several others built on the experience gained representing Australia at last year’s U16 campaign.

Head Coach Kelly Porter said the nearly three-week tour provided invaluable learning opportunities both on and off the court.

“It was a huge tour for the girls. For some it was their first time in a championship environment, so naturally that comes with some big moments of learning that can be hard to navigate,” Porter said.

“We felt like we got better throughout the tournament and were pleased to finish our trip with some wins. As I’ve said to the group numerous times, winning internationally is hard to do, so it was rewarding to finish our tour strongly.”

Porter said the team showed glimpses of its potential throughout the championships, while also identifying discipline and maintaining focus under pressure as key areas for continued development.

“It was nice to win the games we knew we were capable of winning and find glimpses of what we were capable of in some of the other matches that the girls felt could have gone more our way,” she said.

“To be successful and seriously competitive with the top teams in Asia, we need to continue improving our intentional effort to stay disciplined and remain focused. If we can get those things right at home, we give ourselves a much better chance of success in those moments.

“I’m proud of how the group came together, cared for one another and took time to learn how we could best support each other through challenges. 

“We had some great moments of leadership both on and off the court, and that says a lot about this group of young women.”

The championships provided another important step in the development of Australia’s emerging talent, with the experiences gained expected to play an important role in the athletes’ continued progression within the national pathway.