People of all abilities are taking to the court at Lords Recreation Centre for a free sitting volleyball program aimed at making the sport more inclusive.
Delivered by Southern Cross Volleyball Club, the Sitting Volleyball Come and Try program welcomes newcomers and experienced players, with no previous experience required.
The game is played on a smaller court with a lower net and follows many of the same rules as traditional volleyball, with players moving around the court while seated on the floor.
Southern Cross Volleyball Masters vice-president Mauro Vennitti said the sport created an opportunity for people with and without disability to play together.
“The good thing about sitting volleyball is once everyone gets on the ground, and you sit on the floor, everyone’s at the same level,” he said.
The program received $2200 from a City of Subiaco community development grant, which helped cover court hire, coaching and equipment costs and enabled sessions to be offered for free.
Among people taking the court is Brad Barclay, who has played volleyball for more than 30 years and now represents the Australian men’s sitting team as a middle blocker.
Sitting volleyball can accommodate a wide range of players, including people with disability and those who may find traditional standing volleyball difficult.
City of Subiaco mayor David McMullen said the program demonstrated how community-led initiatives could help more people participate in sport and build connections.
“Through our community development grants, the city is proud to support local organisations with ideas that help more people participate in community life and feel that they belong,” he said.
“At Lords, expect to see people trying sitting volleyball for the first time alongside experienced players who have competed at national and international levels. The format allows anyone to come along and give it a go.”
The free sessions are running at Lords Recreation Centre on Mondays from 6.45pm to 8.45pm until November 30.
No experience is required but participants must be able to sit upright on the floor with no assistance.
Visit the Southern Cross Volleyball website for more information.
