Junior indoor men's and women's squads named

Volleyball New Zealand confirmed on Tuesday the Junior Men’s and Women’s indoor squads for the coming international cycle.

Junior Men’s coach Ben Laing says the selection process was tough with the talent level really high across the board.

“When it came to selecting the Junior national side I have never had a job so hard,” Laing said.

“This speaks hugely to the depth of quality we have at our disposal in Aotearoa, not only of our athletes as volleyball players but as tremendous young humans.”

Laing said another element was the recent collaboration with Senior Volley Blacks and Volley Ferns coach Sebastian Gonzalez and VNZ Coach Development Manager Shaun Matthews in discussing the philosophies and strategies underpinning the national team set-ups.

“This allows us to lay a solid foundation of understanding within our junior program with the sincere hope of building towards further national representation as they progress through their volleyball journeys.”

Junior Women's Assistant Coach Adam Watson can't wait for the July contact with the squad.

"We’re really excited for the upcoming camp to work with the 36 athletes," Watson said.

"It’s a real insight for us knowing that many associations schools and clubs around the country are investing in the growth and development of our junior athlete space.

I know we have a few athletes who have been involved in the Volley Ferns over the past couple of months at their camps in prep for the tour to Chile so that’s really exciting to have players who have been in and around Seb [Volley Ferns coach Sebastian Gonzalez] and have already been training and competing at the step above."

Both squads will assemble in Auckland in early July for a programme of training and games with an eye on international events next year.

Click here for the full squads for both Men’s and Women’s Indoor Junior Teams.

Junior Indoor training squads named

Volleyball New Zealand confirmed on Friday the Junior Indoor wider training squads for the 2022-2024 international cycles.

All 15 Regional Associations were represented in the national trial process held in October with FIVB and Asian Volleyball Confederation age groups now aligned.

This means 18 of the Junior Women’s 2021-22 programme will get another opportunity and bring experience to the squad, with three of those players involved in the Jenny Kirk Trophy Series victory over Australia earlier this year.

Competing teams will be named ahead of international match opportunities in 2023 and the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation Junior Championships.

The Junior Men’s and Women’s 

wider squads will assemble in April for a training camp following the New Zealand Secondary School National Championships ahead of international team selections made for a competitive opportunity in July still being confirmed by VNZ.

Click here for the wider playing squads for both Men's and Women's Junior Indoor 2022-2024

 

Junior Indoor Trials 2022-2024

Volleyball New Zealand are pleased to announce trial dates for the Junior Men’s and Women’s Indoor teams for the next two-year cycle of the programme.

These trials are associated with the next two-year cycle for all athletes born between 2005 and 2006. This age group will be targeting possible events including Trans-Tasman series, Australian Junior State Champs (AJVC), and Asian Junior Championships in 2024.

Trial Location and Times (Please note the following times are different for each trial due to gym availability)


South Island Trial
 

Dates: October 2-3
Venue: Selwyn Sports Centre: 70 Broadlands Drive, Rolleston 7614 

Junior Women
- Sunday 2nd October: 11am-1pm and 2:45pm-4:30pm 
- Monday 3 October: 11am-1pm and 3:30pm – 6pm

Junior Men
- Sunday 2 October: 9am – 11am and 1pm – 2:45pm
- Monday 3 October: 9am – 11am and 1pm – 3:30pm 


North Island Trial
 

Dates: October 6-7
Venue: The Peak, 60 Kimbrae Drive, Rototuna North, Hamilton 3281

Junior Women and Junior Men - October 6-7: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Cost

- $140 (including a Volleyball NZ tee for females and singlet for male)
- Transport, food, and accommodation will be at the athletes expense


Eligibility

To be eligible to trial and be available for selection, athletes will need to

- Be born between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2006
- Have New Zealand as their Federation of Origin (FIVB)
- Hold a NZ Passport or have NZ citizenship
- Be a registered member of Volleyball NZ 

Please contact admin@volleyballnz.org.nz if you have any questions


Registration

To register, please click here.

Registration closes Friday 23 September, 5pm

Please contact admin@volleyballnz.org.nz for any eligibility or registration questions



2022-2024 Programme Plans

- October 2022 – National Team Trials to select a NZ Junior Indoor Squad
- April 1-2, 2023 – NZ Junior Squads will assemble following NZSS where teams will be selected for 2023
- July 2023 – NZ Junior Teams will compete in possible events – Trans-Tasman Series, AJVC, Internal Competition
- October 2023 – Trials for Asian Champs 2024
- April 2024 – Camps in preparation for Asian Championships and Development Team opportunities.


Programme FAQ

Q: The last Junior Women’s programme included athletes born in 2005, why is this trial not for athletes born in 2006 and 2007?
A: Due to changes made by the FIVB and Asian Volleyball - age regulations for the Junior Women’s age group have changed to be the same as the Junior Men’s (athletes born on or thereafter 2005). Volleyball NZ have subsequently followed this change.

Q: Can I attend either trial to be considered?
A: Yes, these trials were set up to accommodate athletes around the country. Athletes may attend either depending on their availability or preference.  

Q: I can only attend one day is that ok?
A: Yes, we understand other commitments may prevent you from attending both days. However full payment will still be required.

Q: I can’t attend any trials; can I still be eligible for the Junior Programme?
A: Yes, however this won’t allow selectors to see you in comparison to other athletes. If you can’t attend and still wish to be considered for the Junior Programme, you will need to contact johann@volleyballnz.org.nz