Whether your court of choice is under the sun or indoors, volleyball is a fast-paced sport suitable for players of all ages, abilities and skill levels. Photo: Roy Meuronen.
Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in Australia for a reason. Celebrated as a great team builder, it’s a game full of energy that regular players love – some even going so far as to say they’re addicted.
Volleyballers from around the country will gather in Canberra on 23-24 November for the annual Good Neighbour Volleyball Tournament.
Now in its 59th year, the tournament promises to serve up an unforgettable action-packed weekend fuelled by a healthy dose of rivalry.
Local player Ron Robertson has competed in more than 40 iterations of Good Neighbour. He first caught the volleyball bug in the 1970s, and to him, it’s the ultimate team sport.
“I’ve competed in Good Neighbour pretty much every single year since I started, and it never gets old,” Ron says.
“I love that volleyball can be played year-round, is non contact but has a fast pace, and is a great form of exercise. It’s also one of the most gender-equal sports out there which is awesome.
“But I especially love that you can’t excel solo – your team is an extension of yourself and you have to work together if you want to succeed.”
The Good Neighbour Volleyball Tournament has attracted 240 teams this year, set to mark the tournament’s highest attendance in its almost 60-year history. Photo: Roy Meuronen.
Good Neighbour caters for schools, youth, women and men across a range of divisions. Ron is keen to catch up with other regulars, many now old friends.
“I think the best thing about this tournament is the way it brings people together from all corners of Australia to connect, compete and socialise,” he says.
“It’s the number one event for our community that everyone looks forward to, and it creates such an electric energy between players.
“There aren’t as many volleyball tournaments run these days, which I think is a real loss for our sport. But it does mean Good Neighbour is becoming more and more popular with all sorts of people, and that’s really nice to see.”
Six venues across Canberra have signed on for the 2024 tournament: Australian Institute of Sport, ANU Sport, Brindabella Christian College, National Hockey Centre, Lyneham Netball Centre and Campbell High School.
They’re ready to host hundreds of local sports fans – on and off on the court.
“Once you get a taste of the atmosphere volleyball brings, you may just discover a passion for our sport that will never go away,” Ron says.
“As soon as we step onto that court, all bets are off and our peers on the other team become our rivals. The energy is incredible and everyone will be in their best form.
“Everyone is invited to check out their nearest venue and cheer us on. The more voices are raised in support, the harder we play!”
The 2024 Good Neighbour Volleyball Tournament will run on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November. Jump over to Good Neighbour to find out more.
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