The Suva Volleyball Association has restarted its weekly club competitions at the LICI Courts in Laucala Bay, a significant step forward in enhancing the sport’s development in the region. Following the knockout tournament wrapped up last week, teams are now engaging in round-robin matches. The top four teams from these competitions will earn the opportunity to represent Suva in the upcoming interclub tournament.
Games Commissioner Jone Baleilomaloma expressed his enthusiasm about the progress of volleyball in Suva, particularly emphasizing the increasing involvement of youth players. “Suva volleyball has progressed really well in terms of development; we see a lot of youths showing a lot of interest, and we’ve seen them moving into our senior teams,” said Baleilomaloma. His remarks highlight the encouraging growth trajectory of the sport and underline the value of encouraging young players to train alongside experienced athletes.
Currently, 13 men’s teams and 11 women’s teams are competing in the weekly matches. An open division has also been introduced, allowing novice and developing teams to compete against senior teams. This initiative not only provides invaluable match experience but also helps improve the skills of newer players. Baleilomaloma praised this strategy for not only aiding player development but also enriching the competitive scene, which is essential for cultivating talent and promoting growth in volleyball.
The round-robin phase of the competition will continue for the next four weeks, generating excitement as teams gear up for the interclub tournament. This structured format is designed to elevate player performance levels while reinforcing community connections through volleyball. It also showcases the commitment of both athletes and organizers to ensure a bright future for the sport in Suva.
Through these progressive initiatives, the Suva Volleyball Association is fostering a vibrant environment for players, ensuring that the outlook for volleyball in Fiji remains optimistic and filled with potential.