After two years on hold, Youth Indoor Phoenix made their way back to the court at the Australian Youth Volleyball Championship. It has been the largest Youth volleyball event in Australia featuring some of the best teams from across the country. The Australian Youth Volleyball Championships has seen states going head-to-head for five days of electrifying volleyball action from 25th to 29th September 2022 in Bendigo, Victoria. There has been a total of 378 matches full of amazing friendships, teamwork and camaraderie.

VNSW travelled to Bendigo with 12 teams composed of 120 athletes with the support of 28 coaches and 5 staff. Our team has shown their competitiveness, skills and sportsmanship on and off the court. It was evident how much they prepared for this event as they have played their very best to win every game.

After this successful championships, team NSW has won one gold, three silvers and two bronze medals. Not only did they take home medals, but they also gained new skills, experience and new friendships.

Placing of individual teams in Bendigo:

U14 boys – 3^rd place U16 boys – 2^nd place U17 girls – 5^th place

U14 girls – 4^th place U16 girls – 4^th place U18 boys SKY – 1^st place

U15 boys – 2^nd place U17 boys SKY – 2^nd place U18 boys Navy – 6^th place

U15 girls – 3^rd place U17 boys NAVY – 6^th place U18 girls – 4^th place

All the teams have shown an incredible team spirit and found their time to support each others games throughout the tournament. Phoenix has managed to secure 6 medals and was very close to bringing home some more. As Martin Reader Head of pathways says "Success should not solely be defined by outcome as the journey is more important than the destination. The goals this season were to create impact players in as many positions as possible, increase the NSW level of play across the board and create more capable athletes in mind and body. Regardless of your final AYVC placing I am honoured to say that we “Youth Phoenix” were successful. We have established a new level of play and robust team culture that will change the power dynamic of Volleyball in Australia."

Our coaches have had an incredible support from or experienced Mentor coaches and our Phoenix Head Coach Chris Todd who said, " It was great to see Phoenix continuing the great results from AJVC and the younger teams continuing with the same progressive style of play. It is just the beginning for Phoenix and all the youth players, and there is so much growth to happen in the coming years for all these kids. All the coacheshave been working hard to encourage the kids to explore what is possible and build all their skills and it was obvious by the way players were so diverse in their contributions in all teams."

All the coaches have put in a huge amount of time and work into this event which is a crucial in Phoenix success. Up and coming coach Britney Carlson has been named Phoenix Coach of the year! 

Thank you to all the parents, coaches and all volunteers for their support on this unforgettable journey.

The volleyball future in NSW is bright with our youth volleyballers and we can't wait for the next year's AYVC which should come back to Bendigo once again!

Next up, Youth athletes will now have the chance to show their skills outdoors as the beach volleyball season commences.

GO PHOENIX !!!