Fitness, fun and friendship: Why Volleyball ACT's Beach Leagues is summer's hottest activity

Picture this: balmy summer nights on the sand, the music is pumping, the balls are flying and the fun is infectious.

That’s exactly what Volleyball ACT has created with its Beach Leagues.

Competitions are available for all levels of players, from beginners to elite, in women’s and men’s pairs or mixed fours. Volleyball ACT coach Liz Burdis says it’s a choice way to spend a night (or more) a week in warmer weather.

“I personally much prefer beach volleyball – it’s a more fun vibe compared to indoor volleyball, which can feel a bit exclusive at times,” she says.

“It’s two or four of you against the world, and there’s not a chance you won’t touch the ball. Everybody has an important part to play.”

From Monday, 20 January, to Thursday, 20 March, Volleyball ACT Beach Leagues matches take place in the evenings on Mondays for men’s pairs, Tuesdays for women’s pairs, Wednesdays for mixed pairs and Thursdays for mixed fours on the soft sands of the Lyneham Beach Facility.

If you don’t have a team, Volleyball ACT can allocate one for you.

While a reasonable fitness level is required and volleyball experience is a plus, Liz says beginners are welcome.

“Beach volleyball is a challenge, and if you want to play at a high level, you need to be super fit. But you don’t need to be fit for the social competition,” she says.

Another way to start out or add to your game is through the Canberra Beach Program, which runs between 15 January and 19 March 2025.

The program sees all kinds of players, from complete beginners who’ve never played on sand and don’t yet know the mechanics of jumping on that kind of terrain to athletes playing at the elite competition level.

“If you’re just starting and looking for a way to keep fit and socialise, it’s wonderful.”

According to Liz, volleyball, especially beach volleyball, has grown in popularity in the ACT over the years.

“I’ve been playing long enough that I remember having just four courts at Civic Pool, and that facility was rarely at capacity,” she says.

“Some years ago, the Lyneham volleyball court went from six to eight courts to answer demand, and these days, even the eight courts are often booked solid.”

She’s at no loss as to why the sport has experienced this surge.

“Beach volleyball is a wonderful sport and that lends itself to a really lively and convivial atmosphere,” she says.

“You can see it in how the fours teams arrive early, stay late, and cheer each other on.

“It’s a beautiful vibe, and when the music gets going, you can’t help but get into it!”

Volleyball ACT Beach Leagues matches take place Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at the Volleyball ACT Lyneham Beach Facility on Thurbon Road (behind ACT Netball Centre). For more information or to register as an individual or team, visit Volleyball ACT. Players wear singlets and shorts (not swimsuits).