Juniors Program

The Illawarra Volleyball Association (IVA) Juniors Program is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to learn, practice, and enjoy volleyball in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. The program runs throughout the year in line with the four school terms and is open to players of all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced juniors.

This page covers key info about the program, including

1. Who the Program Is For
2. What to Expect
3. Program Schedule & Term Dates (including registration dates)
4. Free Trial / Come & Try Sessions
5. Membership, Fees & Insurance
6. Active Kids Vouchers
7. How to Register
8. Juniors Competitions & Pathways

Who the Program Is For

• Age range: Open to athletes aged 18 years and under

• Recommended minimum age: We generally recommend participants be around 10 years or older, as sessions cater to a broad age and skill range and can sometimes feel overwhelming for younger children who are just starting out

• Is it too late to start? Absolutely not - many players begin volleyball in their mid-to-late teens. Players of all skill levels, including total beginners, are welcome to join!

If your child is under 10, we usually suggest waiting until they are a little older and more confident unless they already have strong volleyball experience.

💡 Alternative for younger children: Parents may wish to explore the Sporting Schools program, which introduces volleyball to children aged 5–12 in a school-based setting. This program is run independently of IVA. More information can be found via the Australian Sports Commission Sporting Schools initiative.

What to Expect

• Weekly sessions combining skill-based training with mixed gameplay

• All skill levels catered for, with drills adaptable for beginners through to advanced players!

• Experienced junior coaches, all of whom hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) and have undertaken child safety training as per our child safety policies

• A fun and welcoming environment focused on learning, enjoyment, and confidence-building

Program Schedule & Term Dates

Our Juniors Program typically runs for 8–10 weeks per school term. Dates and costs may vary slightly each term.

2026 Program Overview:

• Term 1 (Indoor): 10 Feb – 31 Mar (8 weeks) – $160
  Registrations open 23 January 2026

• Term 2 (Indoor): 28 Apr – 30 Jun (10 weeks) – $200
  Registrations open 01 April 2026

• Term 3 (Indoor): 21 Jul – 22 Sep (10 weeks) – $200
  Registrations open 07 July 2026

• Term 4 (Beach): Dates and pricing TBC (released before the end of the September/October school holidays)

Term 4 details are confirmed closer to the date due to beach access and weather considerations. Once available, information is shared via our website, social media, and email to existing IVA members.

Free Trial / Come & Try Sessions

Following the incredible growth of the program over the past 12 months, registrations for Term 3 2026 will be capped at 80 athletes. This is a temporary measure to ensure we can continue delivering a safe, high-quality experience for all participants while we explore options to expand the program in future terms.

Due to limited capacity this term, free trial sessions will not be available this term. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritise places for athletes registering for the full program.

We will hopefully return to offering free trials in future terms.

Membership, Fees & Insurance

To participate, players must have a current IVA membership, which provides essential insurance coverage. 

Program fees are paid per term and vary depending on the length and format of the term. Service NSW Active Kids Vouchers can be used for Programs and activities, but not for memberships.

Active Kids Vouchers

We accept Service NSW Active Kids Vouchers. These can be used for can be used for Programs and activities, including our Juniors Program, but not for memberships.

To apply your voucher, please enter the voucher code in the "Active Kids Voucher" field on the final page of the registration process when signing your child up for the relevant term.

If you have any difficulties applying the code, please continue with registering your child for the program without the code but do not pay the invoice immediately. Email your voucher to finance@illawarravolleyball.org.au, and our Treasurer will apply the voucher and update your invoice accordingly

How to Register

Registration is required prior to attending any sessions.

1. Ensure your child has a current IVA membership
   
   
2. Visit our Events Page to view current or upcoming Juniors Program terms
   
   
3. Open the relevant term event, complete the registration form, and finalise payment online
   
   

Register via Our Events Page

Competitions & Pathways

• IVA enters a Male & Female U18s team into Premier League Volleyball (PLV) in Sydney

• Selections for this team take place around January each year

• Due to competition requirements, mid-season intakes are very limited

We recommend new or developing players start with the IVA Juniors Program. Coaches can discuss competition pathways if they feel a player is suitable.

Confident and experienced juniors may also choose to participate in our Tuesday night Social Competition, noting this is an open-age competition primarily targeted at adults.

A full guide to Junior Opportunities & Pathways in the Illawarra can be found here:

Junior Opportunities & Pathways Guide

Still Have Questions?

Most information about dates, costs, registration and trials can be found on the relevant term event page.

For further assistance, contact us at juniors@illawarravolleyball.org.au.

We look forward to welcoming your child to the IVA Juniors Program and helping them grow their love for volleyball!