Volleyball ACT says surging participation across Canberra is pushing the sport to its limits, with demand for courts now outstripping available space, says Volleyball ACT president David Byrne.

Clubs across the territory have reported growth of 200 to 300 per cent in recent years, with more than 300 new members joining in the past two years. In 2026, more than 275 teams are competing in weekly competitions, while trials are filling quickly and some programs already have waitlists.

David Byrne said the sport had reached a turning point.

“This is one of the most exciting periods volleyball has seen in Canberra. The growth is happening right across the territory, and we’re seeing more people than ever wanting to be involved,” he says.

“Our competitions are at capacity, and the challenge now is keeping pace with where the sport is heading. Indoor courts are the backbone of volleyball, and they’re under real pressure.”

Volleyball ACT says the growth is being seen across indoor, beach and grass volleyball, as well as sitting volleyball and emerging formats such as fistball.

The organisation also points to Canberra’s role in elite pathways, with the Australian Institute of Sport and National Training Centre based locally linking community participation to high-performance opportunities.

General manager Ciaran O’Rourke says the current surge could have long-term benefits.

“The players coming through Canberra right now are part of a pathway that can take them all the way to the top level, including competing on the world stage and at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games,” he says.

Volleyball ACT says recent ACT Government support, including investment in grass volleyball, has helped expand opportunities, but future growth will depend on access to more indoor facilities.

“There’s real momentum in volleyball right now, and it’s only accelerating,” Mr Byrne says.

“With the indoor season now underway, participation is expected to continue rising as the sport expands across the territory.”