devo's volleyball

With a record 406 teams representing 116 schools at this year’s event, the air is thick with anticipation about another week of volleyball, volleyball and more volleyball. The Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre and the State Volleyball Centre are primed for an influx of thousands of students, school representatives and parents into Melbourne.

So what happens during the week and why do schools from all over Australia and New Zealand make the trip to Melbourne?

The Opening Ceremony kicks off on Sunday night. At the Ceremony, long service awards will be presented to volunteers who have contributed to this event over 10, 15 or 20 years! This event would be a shadow of its remarkable achievements without the support of coaches, manangers and administrators such as these. The School Banner Parade will again be popular as the artists get to show off their skills

A group representing the various boys teams from New Zealand schools will perform the traditional haka during the Opening Ceremony. An annual tradition that stirs the spirit of all that witness it. Following all the formalities, participants will be entertained by Melbourne cover band Metrik, a real kick start to their week!

Throughout the week, there’s plenty to see and do around the scheduled matches. Here’s a few activities that have been planned:

- the Spike Magazine Jumping Competition will run to find the highest jumper in each age division

- the AVSC Idol will trawl the school talent pool for entertainers. The best will be invited to perform and be judged by the audience at the Closing Ceremony

- Beiersdorf Australia and Sports Medicine Australia team up to present 2 FREE Injury Prevention and Taping seminars for the participants and support personnel

- National Men’s Coach Russ Borgeaud and National Women’s Coach Amanda Fielding will host Meet the Coaches information sessions for coaches and managers, sharing their experiences and advice. They’ll also be joined by Women’s National Technical Director Jenny Becker for an open forum discussion.

And if that’s not enough, there’s the competition itself, culminating in medal matches on Friday 14th. The Closing Ceremony is a sight to be seen as the week’s efforts are acknowledged and rewarded. There’ll be cheers, tears and lots of tired feet, knees and shoulders, but a distinct urgency to get a team together for next year.