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EXCERPT FROM MEDIA RELEASE

Victorian Beach Volleyball player Lauren Taylor has officially been selected to represent Australia at the Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October.

One of only 88 athletes named across 26 sports; Taylor will again wear the green and gold, having only recently returned from the U19 World Championships held in Nanjing, China.

“Nanjing was amazing, it was a once in a life time experience and I’ll treasure every moment,” said Taylor.

2018 has, and continues to be a big year for Lauren, with Australian representation following a breakthrough season on both the local and national tours. The highs of the past 9 months though, come on the back of a period the young athlete would like to forget.

Soon after representing her country at the U17 Asian Championships in 2016, Taylor was diagnosed with Osteochondritis Desicans of her femoral medial condyle; requiring screws in her femur. Six months out, became nine when she picked up post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT); prompting regular blood thinning injections and a further 3 months out. Nine months became a year, when an arthroscopy led to blood in the knee joint.

“The injury was definitely a giant obstacle. I never dealt with anything like it before, but in retrospect it was a good learning experience.”

Within weeks of recovering, Lauren was back on track and setting goals.

“It was quite remarkable, how quickly Lauren picked herself up and pushed forward,” said Brett Middlin, Head Coach at Vic Beach Volleyball Academy (VBVA).

“All the hard work, all the hours of training, it’s paid off; Lauren is going to the Youth Olympics, and she’ll be one of the youngest players in the tournament. It’s a big deal, given the length of time she was out.”

Taylor has been modifying her studies in the lead-up to Argentina; travelling to Queensland each week to train with teammate Tiaan Smith, as well as weekend training with VBVA.

“It will be a very busy final few weeks for me! Words can’t describe how excited I am to be playing for Australia again.”

The 2018 Youth Olympics will run from 6 – 18 October, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The 2018-19 beach season is almost here! More sun, warmer weather… and more training options!

Sunday training will move aside to make way for tournaments; replaced by midweek training and a variation in the Saturday schedule. As of the start of the summer schedule we will have mixed T1 group training on a Tuesday afternoon, mixed T2 group training on a Thursday afternoon. On a Saturday, we’ll be switching the guys and girls T1 training times.

CHANGES TO SATURDAY TIMES!

From the start of the summer schedule, girls T1 training will move to an 8am start, with guys T1 training commencing at 9:30am. There will also be a dedicated T2 boys group from 11am, with a mixed T3/beginner group running at the same time. There are several reasons for the change in times, there will be less of a wait around for the Tier 1 guys, who also train with the open age Vic Beach crew; there will not be a gap in times for those T2 boys transitioning into the T1 group, ensuring they are able to take in both sessions; T1 girls will be able to use the second court for game play directly following their session… and finally, the later session time for the guys makes it easier for those coming from distance – Blake from Mornington, and the Rodda’s from Gippsland.

T2 girls who are ready to step up to T1 girls training will be invited prior to the commencement of this schedule.

All training sessions will be held at South Melbourne Beach.

HERE IS THE SCHEDULE:

(Commencing Tuesday 25th September, 2018)

Tuesday

4:30 – 6pm T1 Guys and Girls

Thursday

4:30pm – 6pm T2/3 Guys and Girls

Saturday

8am – 9:30am T1 Girls

9:30am – 11am T1 Guys

11am – 12:30pm T2 Boys

11am – 12:30pm T3/Beginner Boys and girls

For more information contact bam@vbva.com.au

VBVA will be opening up some spaces in our Tier One/elite program, for current state level players, both boys and girls, as we prepare to step up pre-season training.

For beginner and intermediate level players, we will have several spaces available, as we look to transition some of our younger crew up into the senior group.

TRIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE LEVEL PLAYERS…

If you have represented your state, and are looking to step up your training, email us and we can arrange a trial. Limited spaces will be available in our Tier one/elite squads, as well as our Tier two groups – both boys and girls.

ARE YOU A BEGINNER OR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL PLAYER? SPACES AVAILABLE…

Whether you’re new to the sport, or have been playing for your school or in local competition, we have spaces available. We do not have set terms, and you are not expected to be at every training. If you can make a session, you let us know… it’s that simple.

Email bam@vbva.com.au

Melbourne, Australia – 2017/18 was a massive season for VBVA player Blake. After winning several AA events on the Victorian Tour, Blake cemented a regular place in the highest open division in the state (AAA) with consistent results alongside fellow VBVA freak, Zebedee.

But it wasn’t just the local tour that saw Blake impress; a standout performance during a national U19 camp in Adelaide ensured the sports’ decision makers were on notice.

Sydney Camp 2018: Blake swings on a Nick set

Blake was one of only two bottom age kids selected in a group of six of the best young male players in the country. Strong results on the national tour kept him in the frame for a possible place in the Australian team for the 2018 World Championships in Nanjing, China.

Confirmation that only two Australian teams were to be selected meant Blake missed out but, in confirming he was the team’s first emergency – in the event of injury – he now knows how close he is to the top. Which given he has another year in the division, should make him a shoe-in for representative action 2019.

One of the top 5 U/19 players in Australia at just 16… Congrats on the season big fella!

For the third consecutive year, a crew of the best young VBVA talent (Nick, Laura, Lucia, Blake, Evie, Ella, Linus, Joah, Imogen, Arki, Joey – unfortunately injured in the weeks prior, but traveled to support the crew – and coach Bam) headed up to Sydney for a three day training camp.

From scaling sand dunes in Palm Beach, to intensive training at Manly and an inter-crew tournament known as the Newport Beach Classic. It gets harder each year, and this was no exception.

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A relaxing session on Manly beach kicked off the long weekend, before heading into the local promenade for some pizza… with the plan to work it off the next day.

PALM BEACH SAND DUNES… AND A LITTLE HUSTLE!

When it comes to ‘hard training’, the second day of the Sydney camp is know to be the hardest on the calendar. For 2018, we took it up a few notches. It started with sand dune runs at Palm beach; 377 in total. An average of 34 per athlete, and 50+ for both Blake and Joah. That was 101 more than 2017 (12 athletes, 23pp), and 201 more than 2016 (10 athletes, 18pp).

Those dunes would be the ‘warm-up’ for the next session, on Newport beach; two solid hours of hustle drills, followed by an hour of intensive game drills. Followed by some time in the water, and quite possibly the most chilled meal in camp history.

2018 NEWPORT BEACH CLASSIC!

Day three, and it was on… the Newport Beach Classic! Bragging rights that last right up to the next camp. With Joey injured, coach Bam sat this one out, leaving the remaining 10 crew members to battle it out. Sideout scoring, no antenna’s… and a net with a great big burn hole in the bottom corner.

It started with both King and Queen of the beach rounds. The top female from the KQOTB rounds would then be paired with the top male, second with second, right down to fifth with fifth. The top pair took their place in the final, as the rest battled it out to take the remaining place. That pair would be Lucia and Joah, with Imy and Blake, Laura and Linus, Nick and Evie and Ella and Arki.

Second vs fifth saw Imy and Blake dispatch Ella and Arki, while third placed Laura and Linus scraped past Nick and Evie. Those results brought forward the closest match up till then, with Imy and Blake pipping Laura and Linus.

Lucia and Joah had spent the best part of two hours watching their potential rivals in the final, battle it out in the heat. The rest worked in their favour too… until Imy and Blake stepped it up and brought what was a 4 point deficit back to and single point lead.

A run of eleven straight side-out plays ended with Blake pounding a jump serve straight down Joah’s line. That breakthrough pushed open the doors and within three plays, Imy and Blake were crowned the 2018 Newport Beach Classic champions [Insert crowd applause].

SUSHI!

On the back of the Classic, and with one last night in Sydney, the crew headed to Sushi Train in Dee Why for ah… sushi! Followed by tubs of Connoisseur Cookies and Cream and a movie or three.

A final morning of training and video technique – which may still be on the camera –  and a quick mission to the airport, thanks to some Sydney flavoured traffic gridlock, and the camp was complete.

2019 is already looking to be even bigger, as we plan to take our strongest crew yet.

Thanks to YHA Sydney Beachouse – yes, that is the correct spelling – in Collaroy, for yet another year of great accommodation, as well as the NBVA (Northern Beaches Volleyball Association) for maintaining the nets at both Newport and Manly.

Here’s a link to the images from the camp, More will be uploaded soon:

2018 Sydney training camp

Here it is! The Summer holiday schedule will take in the remainder of 2017, and the whole month of January. If you’re only just discovering VBVA, and you want to get involved in the sport or you’re a state squad player looking for extra training email bam@vbva.com.au and we will work out the best session for you to attend.

Please note all ‘camps’ will require a minimum 8 participants to go ahead. They will be longer than the previous camps, with prices listed. Further details for the camps will be listed shortly. Unfortunately we are unable to run camps on a Wednesday through these holidays.

SUMMER HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

DECEMBER

TUESDAY 19th DECEMBER
4:30PM – 6PM | Tier 1/elite group – court 5

THURSDAY 21st DECEMBER
4:30PM – 6PM | TIER 2 – court 5
4:30PM – 6PM | TIER 1/elite group (game play) – court 6

SATURDAY 23rd DECEMBER
8AM – 9:30AM | TIER 1 guys – court 6
8AM – 9:30AM | MENTOR game
play | Tier 1 girls – court 7
9:30AM – 11AM | TIER 1 girls – court 6
9:30AM – 11AM | MENTOR game play | Tier 1 guys – court 7
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 2 boys – court 6
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 3 boys and girls – court 7

|| CHRISTMAS BREAK – Merry Festivemas!

SATURDAY 30th DECEMBER
8AM – 9:30AM | TIER 1 guys – court 6
8AM – 9:30AM | MENTOR game
play | Tier 1 girls – court 7
9:30AM – 11AM | TIER 1 girls – court 6
9:30AM – 11AM | MENTOR game play | Tier 1 guys – court 7
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 2 boys – court 6
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 3 boys and girls – court 7

|| NEW YEARS EVE – Happy New Year!

JANUARY

TUESDAY 2nd JANUARY
4:30PM – 6PM | Tier 1/elite group – court 5

THURSDAY 4th JANUARY – CAMP ONE
2PM – 6PM | $30pp | TIERS 1,2 and 3 – courts 5 and 6 *Minimum 8 participants

SATURDAY 6th JANUARY
8AM – 9:30AM | TIER 1 guys – court 6
8AM – 9:30AM | MENTOR game
play | Tier 1 girls – court 7
9:30AM – 11AM | TIER 1 girls – court 6
9:30AM – 11AM | MENTOR game play | Tier 1 guys – court 7
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 2 boys – court 6
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 3 boys and girls – court 7

TUESDAY 9th JANUARY
4:30PM – 6PM | Tier 1/elite group – court 5

THURSDAY 11th JANUARY
4:30PM – 6PM | TIER 2 – court 5
4:30PM – 6PM | TIER 1/elite group (game play) – court 6

SATURDAY 13th JANUARY
8AM – 9:30AM | TIER 1 guys – court 6
8AM – 9:30AM | MENTOR game
play | Tier 1 girls – court 7
9:30AM – 11AM | TIER 1 girls – court 6
9:30AM – 11AM | MENTOR game play | Tier 1 guys – court 7
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 2 boys – court 6
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 3 boys and girls – court 7

TUESDAY 16th JANUARY
4:30PM – 6PM | Tier 1/elite group – court 5

THURSDAY 18th JANUARY – CAMP TWO
2PM – 6PM | $30pp | TIERS 1,2 and 3 – courts 5 and 6 *Minimum 8 participants

SATURDAY 20th JANUARY
8AM – 9:30AM | TIER 1 guys – court 6
8AM – 9:30AM | MENTOR game
play | Tier 1 girls – court 7
9:30AM – 11AM | TIER 1 girls – court 6
9:30AM – 11AM | MENTOR game play | Tier 1 guys – court 7
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 2 boys – court 6
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 3 boys and girls – court 7

TUESDAY 23rd JANUARY
4:30PM – 6PM | Tier 1/elite group – court 5

THURSDAY 25th JANUARY – CAMP THREE
2PM – 6PM | $30pp | TIERS 1,2 and 3 – courts 5 and 6 *Minimum 8 participants

SATURDAY 27th JANUARY
8AM – 9:30AM | TIER 1 guys – court 6
8AM – 9:30AM | MENTOR game
play | Tier 1 girls – court 7
9:30AM – 11AM | TIER 1 girls – court 6
9:30AM – 11AM | MENTOR game play | Tier 1 guys – court 7
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 2 boys – court 6
11AM – 12:30PM | TIER 3 boys and girls – court 7

TUESDAY 30th JANUARY
4:30PM – 6PM | Tier 1/elite group – court 5

FEBRUARY

THURSDAY 1st FEBRUARY
4:30PM – 6PM | TIER 2 – court 5
4:30PM – 6PM | TIER 1/elite group (game play) – court 6

What a brilliant start to the 2017/18 season, with results across the Pairs warm-up event (08/10/2017) and Round One of the Vic Beach Tour (15/10/2017). Which is why this wrap includes the results from both events.

We’ll start with Lauren… AAA winner! What a freak! Playing alongside the ageless Marta Slawuta, Lauren finished the Pairs event as the youngest ever winner of AAA Women’s, at just 15. They did it the hard way, beating the best players in Victoria in exceptionally close matches. In Round One of the official tour, the pair almost made back to back finals, only just losing to the eventual winners Date/Schaw 20-22, 22-24 in the semi’s.

Nick and Blake finished a respectable third in their Pairs Warm-up AAA Men’s pool, in what was Nick’s first ever foray in the division, and only Blake’s third. The lads held their own against the best players in the state, proving they’re moving closer to the top by the week. Nick was away for Round One, so Blake paired up with some old guy, losing a closely fought AA semi on a dodgy line call…

“It was out by almost 10cm! Can you see the ball mark ref?” argued that old guy.

Although, the other Round One AA semi saw Zeb – along with partner Mitch – pull through, and go on to win their final. That was Zeb’s first AA win, at only recently 16! A result that now opens the door to a ‘nothing to lose’ opportunity in AAA for Round Two. Brilliant job boys!

In the Women’s AA Lucia and Laura made it two straight final appearances, when they came back in their semi to beat the number one seeds in the division. It meant they would be lining up against the same opponents – Sarah Ellis and Sara Roth – who beat them in the final of the Pairs Warm-up a week early. A pairing they beat in both Pairs Warm-up pool matches.

Two straight finals shows just how close the girls are to breaking into their first AAA event.

Evie won her first AA match, playing alongside fellow crew member Eliza in Round One. This wouldn’t be all that significant, given she is in the Tier One fold, were it not for the fact Evie is only just 13! The pair went on to finish third in their pool. Eliza, was available to play Round One with Evie after regular partner Imy unfortunately broke a finger playing indoor. That shouldn’t keep her out for long though, which means Eliza and Imy will be back on court, continuing the fine form they showed in the Pairs Warm-up; taking each of their opponents – in what was a strong pool – to three sets.

In the Round One Men’s A division, a family affair saw dad Clinton – playing alongside former VBVA crew member Lachy Volk – up against his youngest son, and VBVA Tier One prodigy Joey and his partner Kyle. A tight contest, won by the old man and Lachy 17-15 in the third, was enough to ensure Rodda family bragging right stay with dad for at least one more event.

Finally, props to the Warriors crew, with Rudi and Octavi losing a close Pairs Warm-up AA final, and making the quarters a week later. Andrea stepped up onto the podium in Round One of the B division, losing a close final.

Great work crew!

We’re only two tournaments into the new season, yet 2017/18 is already looking great for Lucia and Laura, with appearances in the AA final of both events.

In what seems to be the creation of a rivalry, the same girls who beat Lucia and Laura in the ‘Pairs Warm-up’ – Sara Roth and Sarah Ellis – were the opponents they would eventually meet in the ’round one’ final of the Vic Beach Series. But to make the final, the girls had to push hard through a solid pool, tough quarter final opponents, and a relentless semi-final.

In the pool rounds Lucia and Laura had to get past older state representatives, Ruby Valentine-Bell and Keely Knight; the pairing of Koutsoukis/Kuklych, and Nguyen/Riemer. Wins against all three teams took them through to the quarter final stage and a meeting with former VBVA crew member Dee Tomic and her partner Natasha Wilmann – former State U17s coach for Lucia and Laura in 2016. The recent wind training Lucia and Laura have endured, ensured they could take advantage of the growing intensity of the afternoon breeze, beating Tomic/Wilmann in straight sets (18-11, 18-13).

The semi-finals, against previous AA winners and regular finalists Sara Orpana and Nathalie Brennan, was never going to be easy, but the girls stood up and made it count in a grueling three sets (18-10, 13-18, 15-10). Without any luck, they somehow managed to defeat the division top seeds and progress to their second final in a week.

Their opponents, Sara Roth and Sarah Ellis, lost to Lucia and Laura twice in the pool group at the last event, before coming back to beat the VBVA juniors in the final. This final would be the fourth competitive meeting between the teams in only two rounds. Unfortunately Roth/Ellis would even up the wins (18-14, 18-14), and more importantly, restrict Lucia and Laura to a 2nd place in consecutive tournaments.

Even with the loss, Lucia and Laura were still beaming; they had achieved their early season goal to make a AA final in the very first tournament, repeating the feat a week later… well ahead of schedule. Their goal to join close friend and fellow VBVA crew member Lauren in AAA is moving quickly from a dream to reality.

Well done girls!