Volleyball increase

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33189, 31 March 1973, Page 4

Volleyball increase

Now an Olympic sport, volleyball has grown steadily since its introduction to this country in 1967. Schools are the major area where the expansion has been apparent — last year there were more than 1000 school pupils playing regularly, and the number of competing schools increased from 47 in 1971 to 65. With 950 adult players also involved in volleyball, organisation on a national scale has become necessary. A new plan put forward at the last annual meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Volleyball Clubs, the controlling body. established four leagues — local, regional, zonal and national—to encourage teams to progress to higher competitions. The national tournament is also changing in form.

In past seasons, it has been an open competition, but this year it will be limited to the 10 top teams in the country. The senior section will be held in Nelson in November, while the schools’ tournament will be in Auckland in May. A squad of senior players has been chosen for training in preparation for the Oceania championships, which will be held in Sydney in September. Training sessions will be held in Hamilton and Christchurch The women’s team will be coached by Mr H. Tenberge. and Mr C. Benacek will guide the men’s squad. This will not be the only trans-Tasman competition for New Zealand. Boys’ and girls’ teams will lie selected after the schools' tournament to take part in the Australian junior championships in August.