Young sport stars serve up a beach bonanza
The rising stars in one of Australia’s most exciting sports will soon be showcasing their talents on the Sunshine Coast – and delivering a spike in profits for local businesses.
The sand will fly as the nation’s best U19 and U21 beach volleyballers converge at Bulcock Beach, Caloundra, on January 23 and 24.
Spectators are welcome and are sure to be treated to a spectacular display of spikes, rallies, digs, blocks and bumps.
The Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Tour, hosted by Volleyball Australia and supported by Sunshine Coast Council, is the premier domestic event for junior beach volleyball athletes, bridging the gap between the youth and the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour.
Volleyball Australia Senior Events Manager, Trent Clarke said in a very short period of time, the Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Tour had quickly become a breeding ground for the best emerging players around the country.
“The Junior Tour is the perfect introduction for Under 19 and Under 21 players to test themselves against their peers while also going on to challenge the best senior players at state tournaments such as the Queensland Open and on the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour.
“While the Tour does move around the country each season, we’ve found a home at Caloundra for the last three years and playing numbers are again looking really strong for this week’s tournament.
“We’re grateful to Sunshine Coast Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting beach volleyball and also to the local community who provide such incredible hospitality each and every year.
“It’s great to be back in Caloundra and we can’t wait for the action to get underway at Bulcock Beach on Thursday.”
The Queensland Open Beach Volleyball follows on January 25-27.
The Queensland Beach Volleyball Tour is the highest level of beach volleyball in the state with the Queensland Open being the pinnacle event for more than 30 years.
Volleyball Qld Events Manager and Tournament Director Damien Searle said the Queensland Open was their big one, the event best players wanted to win.
“We love bringing it to the Sunshine Coast,” Ms Searle said.
“The prestige of the event and the great location means we attract beach volleyballers from across Australia, with a sprinkling of internationals as well.
“The event is also unique in that anyone can enter, meaning a novice team could be drawn to play against the number one seeds.”
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said holding the Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Tour and the Queensland Open activated Caloundra and showcased the region’s natural assets.
“The Sunshine Coast’s picturesque coastline offers the perfect location for elite beach volleyball competitions,” Cr Landsberg said.
“Hosting back-to-back elite tournaments is expected to extend visitation to the region and maximise spending within the local economy right as the summer holiday period comes to an end.
“The event helps deliver the Council’s Major Events Strategy which aims to bring in $86 million of economic benefit to the region through visitation and local spend.
“We also believe our support through the Major Event Sponsorship program strengthens our relationship with Volleyball Australia and Volleyball Queensland as we look towards securing additional beach and indoor events in the future.”
Caloundra, one of Queensland's Top Tourism Towns, shines as a coastal paradise and will offer an unforgettable experience for visiting volleyball players, coaches, and spectators.
Event details
January 23-24 Australian Junior Beach Volleyball Tour | Bulcock Beach, Caloundra
January 25-27 QLD Open Beach Volleyball | Bulcock Beach, Caloundra