Regional volleyball is gaining serious momentum across the region, and Inverell’s young players are leading the charge. The inaugural New England Volleyball League has wrapped up after four rounds of competition across Armidale, Glen Innes and Tamworth, with Inverell teams claiming first place in both divisions and a new generation of regional athletes proving they can compete with the best.
The competition has also created something long sought by local players and families – a pathway to high-level competition closer to home.
According to Inverell Volleyball Club Youth Liaison Officer Melissa Bernard, the growth of the sport locally has been extraordinary.
“Our numbers are growing quite rapidly at Inverell Volleyball Club,” she said.
“Previously, there have been predominantly strong, experienced players. We now have a fairly even number of very experienced players and newer players, so earlier this year, we made the decision to categorise the players into Division 1 and Division 2.”
The club has added an extra training night to accommodate demand, while volleyball participation at Macintyre High School has grown by around 50 per cent this year.
“The inaugural New England Volleyball League has just wrapped up after four rounds, and Inverell had three teams registered, as well as two guest teams play in Round 3,” Bernard said.
The surge in popularity is particularly noticeable among teenage girls.
When asked why volleyball is attracting so many young women, Bernard turned the question directly to the players themselves.
One teenager described volleyball as “the perfect sport for low socio-economic families” because it requires very little equipment and is accessible through school programs.
Others highlighted its inclusive nature, year-round availability and welcoming environment.
“Volleyball is great for not-so-sporty people – even if you are overweight, uncoordinated, not naturally athletically gifted, it’s still a game that you can play,” one player said.
Another explained how a casual game between friends sparked a passion that eventually led to state-level competition.
“Mr Gersbach coached us and we made it to State level with the school team and we were hooked.”
The creation of the New England Volleyball League has been a game-changer for regional players and their families.
“It was hugely significant to have the NEVL,” Bernard said.
“The only other local tournament is the annual Frosty Balls held in Armidale. All other tournaments are held in towns that are hundreds of kilometres away.”
She said travelling to coastal competitions often requires entire weekends away, accommodation costs, fuel expenses and significant commitments from parents.
“With the cost of accommodation, petrol, team registration, food, player insurance and other expenses, this easily adds up to over $1000 each time we go away,” she said.
“The formation of the NEVL allowed local players and families to travel short distances with no additional accommodation costs.”
The competition was the vision of UNE Volleyball Club’s Shane Andrews, whose contribution to volleyball development across the region has earned widespread admiration.
“Shane Andrews is absolutely invaluable,” Bernard said.
“He is known as a legend amongst not just our local players, but the metropolitan players from the coastal comps we all attend.”
Now in his 60s, Andrews continues to play, coach and mentor athletes while creating pathways for regional competitors.
“He is very passionate about the game and helping players reach their potential,” Bernard said.
“These are very significant pathways for our regional players that he is directly responsible for and everyone in our region is very thankful for all of his efforts.”
The success of Inverell’s winning teams is also deeply connected to the work being done at Macintyre High School.
“The two Inverell teams that came first place were made up of players who are part of the boys and girls Macintyre High School teams,” Bernard said.
She credited coach Adrian Gersbach as “a major contributing factor” in the teams’ achievements through his commitment to training, mentoring and advocating for young players.
The school’s senior boys and girls teams, made up largely of Year 12 students who have played together throughout high school, have built strong foundations while helping develop younger teammates.
Despite their success, regional volleyball players continue to face significant barriers.
“The biggest challenge the players here in Inverell face is inadequate infrastructure – there is no designated area for indoor volleyball,” Bernard said.
While facilities exist for many other sports, volleyball relies heavily on access to school halls, which are limited and often costly to hire.
As a result, Bernard was forced to purchase a portable outdoor net to train one developing girls team.
“It was far from ideal but these regional kids make do with what they have because they have no other choice,” she said.
The lack of suitable facilities was also the reason Inverell was unable to host a round of the NEVL.
“Round 3 of the NEVL was originally supposed to be held in Inverell, but due to having no infrastructure that could accommodate two courts in the one building, it was moved to Glen Innes,” she said.
Bernard believes a multi-purpose indoor sports centre would transform opportunities not only for volleyball but for many sports across the district.
Despite the obstacles, the achievements of Inverell’s young athletes continue to impress.
“There aren’t enough words to truly explain how proud I am of these kids,” Bernard said.
Both Macintyre High School teams have reached state level in each of the past two years, with the boys placing ninth in New South Wales last year.
“For the boys to place ninth last year, up against predominantly Sydney schools with unlimited resources, is mind blowing,” she said.
“With so little resources, they are extremely committed and work so hard. They love the game, and are passionate about it.”
Perhaps more important than the results, Bernard says, is the character the players display.
“My greatest pride comes from watching how respectful, friendly, welcoming and polite these kids always are when we are away at comps,” she said.
“They play with complete sportsmanship, always show up, do their reffing duties with fairness, and respect the game.”
As volleyball continues to grow throughout the New England region, Bernard believes regional athletes deserve greater recognition for what they are achieving.
And with participation numbers continuing to climb, new representative pathways emerging and a generation of dedicated young players coming through the ranks, the future of volleyball in regional New South Wales looks brighter than ever.
“Don’t rule them out because they are country kids,” she said.
“They have grit and heart and passion and will fight for what they want. No obstacle will stand in their way.”
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