New Zealand’s beach volleyball programme has experienced tremendous growth, largely due to support from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment initiative. This backing has provided essential funding, coaching expertise, and expanded international opportunities.
Since receiving its first funding in 2018, Volleyball New Zealand has benefited from CHF 429,000 from FIVB, including CHF 144,000 in 2023 and 2024 for year-long coaching projects. These funds have enabled:
- The introduction of full-time coaching
- Upgraded training facilities
- Enhanced player development
The results have been evident on the international stage. Notable achievements include:
- Shaunna Polley and Alice Zeimann winning New Zealand’s first Beach Pro Tour Futures gold medal in 2023
- Men’s teams securing multiple silver medals
- Thomas Reid and John McManaway winning gold at the Pirae Tahiti Futures competition in 2024
Hosting international tournaments has also boosted the sport, with New Zealand becoming a regular stop on the Beach Pro Tour, allowing local athletes to compete at a high level without traveling abroad.
Development pathways have strengthened, with increased participation in interprovincial and secondary school competitions. A structured system now guides young players from grassroots to elite levels.
The programme's ultimate goal is qualification for the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. With continued support from High Performance Sport New Zealand through 2028, New Zealand is becoming a serious contender for world and Olympic medals.
For more details, visit the official article.
