Canberra Volleyball returns for another gripping season

Belconnen Volleyball Club has officially been crowned club of the year after an exceptional 2023 season.

Player Holly Uren says her involvement with the club has been a great opportunity for her family to come together.

“My sister Amanda and I play on the Belconnen women’s team and we are extremely lucky to have such great support behind us in the club while we expand our skills to be part of the Canberra Volleyball League (CVL),” Holly says.

“Last year was the first time Amanda played in the premier division of CVL for Belconnen so it was nice to play together in the same team for the first time.”

The story doesn’t end there for the family of five with brother Adam also an enthusiastic part of the club.

“My younger brother Adam is also playing his first CVL competition this year for Belconnen, it’s so great to get the whole family involved.”

Holly says playing for Belconnen has been a great opportunity to improve her skills in the sport.

“When I first started playing in the league I played in the reserve league and would occasionally get the chance to play with the premier team for a game if they were short on numbers,” she says.

“It was an amazing opportunity to play with and against the best players in Canberra and see the next level of volleyball in Canberra.”

Holly says that after two years playing for CVL she was scouted to play for the Australian Volleyball League which has helped fast tracked her opportunity to play for Canberra Heat

“There have been so many players from the Canberra Heat club that once played for Belconnen which gave me a great opportunity to play and train with the best in Canberra.”

She credits Belconnen coach Sue Jenkins for her success and that of her teammates.

“Sue has coached previous Australian women’s teams and has so much knowledge she is able to share. It has been really beneficial for us and the whole club to have her as a coach,” Holly says.

“It really was Sue’s experience as an Australian team and Canberra Heat coach that really brought out the best in me. I ended up getting selected for the Australian junior team when I was in high school and now I’m playing for the Canberra Heat which is truly a dream come true.”

Holly says she and her brother and sister have been blessed with some great opportunities to showcase their skills.

“My siblings and I have all been fortunate to represent the ACT for both indoor and beach volleyball over the years and being able to play in competitions like CVL can help when preparing for national competitions.”

She says joining the Canberra Volleyball League is a great way to improve your volleyball skills.

“Playing in CVL is also good tournament practice for the Australia Volleyball Super League which starts after the CVL season has finished.”

The first round of the Canberra Volleyball League takes place at 196 Mouat St, Lyneham, on 5 May. For more information visit Canberra Volleyball.