About us:
Volley South aims to develop and engage volleyball players of all levels, ages, and interests, from beginner through to competitive. We exist to deliver a range of competitions and events throughout the Southland and Queenstown Lakes region, including both indoor and beach volleyball. We are a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers and casual paid staff throughout the region.
In the past season, we have experienced a 109% growth in participant numbers (compared to 2020-2021), reaching 2247 participants across our various competitions and formats. Our latest numbers indicate that we are the fourth largest participation sport in the Southland region.
We have a strong female player base, with 63% of our participants being female. This is of particular note in our senior school competitions (Years 11–13), where our female numbers remain high, despite this being the life stage where female rangatahi generally experience ‘drop off’ in their participation in physical activity, in particular organised sport. This suggests that volleyball is offering an experience that meets the diverse needs of this demographic and remains an appealing option no matter the age of the participant.
As well as strong female participation, volleyball has a very ethnically diverse participant base; we have high numbers of Filipino, Asian, Māori, and Pacific Islanders across our junior and senior school formats, representative teams, as well as our business house and social competitions. The latest national data from the Active New Zealand Survey (2021) indicates that our Asian communities, including the Filipino community, and Pacific Island communities are less likely to be active and participate in organised sport. Our participation data over the last few years shows that volleyball is a popular option with these communities; therefore, the competitions that are able to be organised and delivered by Volley South provide an increased opportunity for these people to participate in, and benefit from, physical activity.
Their high representation in volleyball participants further suggests that the current competitions and formats being offered are appealing and accessible to a diverse range of participants.
Over one quarter of all current participants live in the wider Southland or Gore Districts. Travel is a commonly identified barrier to participation in sport and physical activity, particularly organised sport, and is often noted as an issue in Southland, which has such a large geographical area. However, these numbers suggest that people are choosing to travel to participate in volleyball competition in Invercargill city, suggesting that the opportunities being offered are appealing and are meeting their needs.
Understanding our current participant base has enabled us to build on steps already taken to facilitate and encourage participation growth and a sustainable approach to delivery over the past few years. Volley South has identified further opportunities to grow the game, with a particular focus on the traditionally lower participating communities that we already deliver to. Future potential in the space includes growing beach volleyball participation, introducing grass volleyball that enables the game to be played in local spaces and places, and investigating opportunities for further regional growth that removes the travel barrier for participants by taking competitions closer to where they live.
Volleyball provides a fun, social, and safe environment where people of all ages and ethnicities can feel they have a sense of belonging. We provide opportunities that meet the needs of all participants, from fun, social teams through to representative pathways and development. We also support local coaches and referees to develop their skills and access opportunities within the sport.
We pride ourselves on providing equitable access to sport participation for all participants throughout the Southland and Queenstown Lakes region; in line with our vision and mission, we aim to keep costs as low as possible for participants to ensure our competitions and events are inclusive of and accessible to all who want to participate.
The mission of Volley South is to deliver quality and effective volleyball opportunities and support to all age groups at all levels.
“Volley South aspires to provide quality volleyball opportunities and experiences for anyone, anywhere, at any time."
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