Raiwai Volleyball is infusing decades of community spirit into this year’s Vulaca Volleyball Championship, prioritizing youth development as its principal mission. Founded in the 1990s by a group determined to keep young people in Raiwai engaged in sports—particularly during the downtime of rugby season—the club has since cultivated a vibrant volleyball culture in the area.
Frances Lanyon, a founder of Raiwai Volleyball and the head coach of the women’s team, reflected on the club’s origins: “We founded Raiwai Volleyball back in the 90s because of the growing number of kids in the area. We thought it would be a good alternative to keep youths involved in sports when rugby is in its off-season.” This grassroots initiative has blossomed into a thriving community hub that continues to foster young talent.
This year’s championship highlights a robust performance from Raiwai’s youth players, particularly among the women, due to the establishment of structured age-group competitions. Lanyon emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent from within, with the team drawing from under-16, under-17, and under-19 levels. “This year there are a lot of young players, especially in our women’s team. We’re trying to breed our own and develop them, and it has improved a lot since last year,” she noted.
Despite boasting one of the youngest squads in the competition, the Raiwai women have demonstrated impressive competitiveness throughout the two-day tournament, even achieving victories against more seasoned teams. The squad features players as young as those in Class Eight and as old as those in Form Five, showcasing the club’s commitment to youth development.
Currently, Raiwai Volleyball’s weekly club competition includes around 30 players, reflecting a steady growth in participation. As one of the associations competing in this year’s Vulaca Volleyball Championship, which wraps up today, Raiwai Volleyball is dedicated to creating opportunities for young athletes and ensuring the continued vitality of community sports. This commitment not only fosters a love for volleyball but also strengthens community bonds, promising a bright future for local sports engagement.