Record Teams on the Gold Coast for Beach Schools Cup

A record number of teams are competing on Coolangatta Beach today for the third edition of the Scape Australian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup.

184 teams from around the country will compete for school glory in pairs and four-a-side teams over the next three days, with medallists crowned on Sunday afternoon.

As part of the Volleyslam 2023 beach volleyball festival, the Schools Cup will run on courts adjacent to the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures event, giving over 700 secondary students the opportunity to watch some of Australia’s and the world’s best athletes in action, while developing their own beach volleyball skills.

The Schools Cup event prioritises teamwork, camaraderie and friendship, while being a valuable development opportunity for the next generation of Australian beach volleyballers, competing on the sand that will host the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032.

Brisbane’s Kelvin Grove State College are the defending overall School champions, not only in the Beach event but they also won the overall title at the Indoor Schools Cup on the Gold Coast in late 2022.

Year 11 students Brian and Elsa said the Kelvin Grove teams hope to continue their podium streak, which saw them claim four gold, three silver and four bronze medals at the Beach Schools Cup last year.

“The Schools Cup is my favorite event as we play against all the schools from Australia being a national event,” Brian said.

“We play against the top schools from each state too and I really enjoy it.

“This weekend, I just want to do my best, enjoy it and have fun.”

“I really hope we get a medal,” added Elsa. “But it’s alright if it doesn’t happen, it’s mostly about having fun.”

Kelvin Grove coach David Kuchler said defending their title will be a challenge, but one they’re excited to take on.

“We have about 20 or so teams across all ages and both genders and there are plenty of kids who are really committed and excited about the sport and the competition,” Mr Kuchler told the Courier Mail.

“It’s a pretty tough competition to win and pretty rare to go back-to-back, but we will definitely be in the mix of the schools with good programs out there.”

The Scape Australian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup gets underway on Friday 31 March with medal matches on Sunday 2 April. Follow the SCHEDULE AND RESULTS