Volleyball ACT’s Grass Volleyball Come and Try day draws participants of all ages and skill levels, who can register as individuals or in teams. Photo: drazenphoto/envato.
“Give it a go” is the key message behind Volleyball ACT’s Grass Volleyball Come and Try day on Friday, 23 January.
Volleyball ACT’s Lewis Jupp says whether you’re looking for a fun way to fulfil a New Year’s fitness resolution, meet new people or simply try something new, the event format is designed to be deliberately relaxed, social and inclusive.
“There are no minimum requirements for experience. While there will certainly be some experienced players, the focus is on participation and it’s very beginner-friendly,” he said.
“We just want to provide an avenue for people to get active and give this wonderful sport a go.”
Players can sign up as individuals and be placed into teams by organisers, or come as a ready-made crew.
While there are some all-women and all-men teams, the event overall is mixed and open.
Matches are for all ages, with past Come and Try days attracting players under 18 through to over 50s.
Skill sessions are available on the side to help those new to the game.
Plenty of people have discovered a love of volleyball as a social sport after come and try days. Photo: Volleyball ACT.
Lewis explains that throughout the day, participants progress through a series of games while towards the end of the day, structure makes way for more of a “free play” vibe, where players can face off with whomever they choose.
“If competitive players want to compete, they usually have a crack at that time,” Lewis says.
“Before that, people are matched as fairly as possible, but we’ve had state athletes playing against participants who are brand new to the game and it works out great. It’s always supportive and super friendly.
“We find people are 100 per cent happy to go with the flow and that’s the beauty of volleyball in Canberra. It’s a vibrant community of people coming to have fun and get active together.”
While there is no dress code, players are advised to wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in, such as activewear. Depending on the weather, sunglasses and hats may also be advisable.
Footwear for grass volleyball differs slightly from other forms of volleyball. Social players tend to prefer going barefoot, while more competitive players favour sneakers. Cleats are avoided to protect the grass (and any bare feet).
Lewis says the simplicity of the setup is intentional, making it an easy yes for anyone looking to try something new at the start of the year.
“This is a great time for a novel experience and we hope people will come give it a go. There’s really nothing to lose and much to gain — you might discover a new sport you love, make friends or simply enjoy a new environment,” he says.
“This is one of the most played sports in the world for a reason and I hope you get the chance to find out why.”
For more information, visit Volleyball ACT.
