Volleyball New Zealand is excited to confirm the timing of the trial opportunity for inclusion in the NZ Junior indoor programme.
The trial will take place at Pulman Arena over September 25 and 26 and will include a mix of training and match play.
A full programme outline, indicative calendar and FAQ documents are below providing all the information.
Link to trials registration: Register here
Registration close Friday 8th September, 2023
Related:
Almost 100 of New Zealand’s most talented young volleyballers were in Palmerston North earlier this week for the Junior Indoor camp at Central Energy Trust Arena.
Nine Regional Associations were represented in the 45 boys’ players at the camp while ten regions had players included in the 49 girls involved in the two-day contact overseen by 10 coaches from seven regions around the country.
Volleyball New Zealand Game Development Manager Johann Timmer said the quality of programmes around the country in Regional Associations and school environments is showing through nationally.
“The development of these athletes in their own regions is evident,” Timmer said.
“To have so many excited athletes having fun and competing all at a high level is amazing. A big congratulations goes to their school coaches and Regional Associations for the development in this space.”
Andrew Kilham, head coach of the Junior Women’s programme, said the theme of the camp was connection and direction with the players together for the first time since the identification phase of the programme in October 2022.
“The coaches looked to develop connections with squad members from all over the country and offer them some direction as to where the programme is heading, as well as areas where they may need to grow as players,” Kilham said.
“Points raised by coaches were actively addressed by athletes during our match play. The standard of play and level of commitment during these matches was excellent. Overall, the camp provided a strong and encouraging starting point for the Junior Women’s programme as we seek to develop teams to compete domestically this year and overseas next year.”
The next contact for the Junior teams is in July when the groups get together in Auckland.
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.”
Both men's and women's 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.
Volleyball New Zealand is seeking applications for Junior Men's and Women's Head Coach and Development Coach roles for the 2022-2024 cycle.
The following positions are available:
The voluntary roles report to the VNZ Performance Manager and run from 2022-2024 with a 2-year extension option.
Overview
Volleyball New Zealand (VNZ) is a National Sporting Organisation committed to leading, developing and supporting volleyball across New Zealand. Our vision is for an athlete identification and development system that underpins our NZL Performance programme, creating a pathway to our High-Performance teams, competing on World, Asian and Oceania stages. Our National Team Coaches are intrusted to drive that vision.
Purpose of the Role - New Zealand Junior Head Coach
The NZL Junior Head Coach is charged with leading and implementing a training and performance programme for the Junior Indoor Programme (athletes born between 1 Jan 2005 and 31 December 2006). The Coach will also be considered “Head Coach” of the national programme and work with appointed Development Coaches to implement the VNZ Athlete Development and High-Performance Strategy, with the outcome of leading and contributing to an athlete development pathway that inspires, and is manageable and sustainable.
Purpose of the Role - New Zealand Junior Development Coach
The NZL Junior Development Coaches will support the Junior Programme with implementing a training and performance programme lead by the NZL Junior Head Coach. The Junior Development Coach will also be considered “Head Coach” of a Development Team and work with other appointed coaches to implement the VNZ Athlete Development and High-Performance Strategy across all levels, with the outcome of leading and contributing to an athlete development pathway that inspires and is manageable and sustainable.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:
Programme Plans
Successful coaches will lead the Junior Programme for the next two-year cycle. The Junior Men’s and Women’s Programmes will be targeting possible events including Trans-Tasman series, Australian Junior Volleyball Championship (AJVC), and Asian Junior Championships in 2003/2024.
Coaches will need be aware of the following dates:
To be considered, please send a cover letter (including the position(s) you would like to apply for, and a current CV to admin@volleyballnz.org.nz before the deadline noted below. Applicants are also expected to provide the contacts for two referees upon request.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 16 September.
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
