The Perth Reds Volleyball Association’s Reds Reach program went to new heights in 2023 with the delivery of participation programs for members of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) backgrounds. Reds Reach is the community engagement program of the Perth Reds focused on increasing volleyball participation in diverse communities and expanding the charitable contributions of our organisation.
2023 saw the formation of a new partnership with the Edmund Rice Centre WA to provide a variety of free grass volleyball sessions as part of the Local Parks program in Ellenbrook and Koondoola. This program introduced the game of volleyball to children of a CaLD background across Perth. Reds also teamed up with Clontarf Aboriginal College to launch a program targeted at welcoming people of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander background to volleyball.
Grass Volley in full swing at Clontarf Aboriginal College.
Perth Reds Director of Volleyball Max Wason managed and coached in the Reds Reach program last year and has been amazed at the opportunities created as part of this program.
“It has been amazing to see the participants develop an interest and love for the sport and develop week to week. Sessions grew significantly over the course of the year and aims to provide a pathway for more people to play volleyball,” Wason said.
“Volleyball is a sport for all and our Reds Reach programs break down barriers and offer everyone the opportunity to try our sport and be a part of our Reds Community.” Wason added.
Game On! Sitting Volleyball at the APM Community Inclusion Day at Mullaloo Beach.
Perth Reds Board Director Dani Francis has overseen the All Abilities and Sitting Volleyball program since 2021 has been proud to watch the program grow and provide opportunities for people like herself to play volleyball.
“Sitting Volleyball is more than just a sport to me; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles. It has been incredibly heartwarming to see the impact we have made on people’s lives through our community,” Francis said.
“Despite the challenges I face in being able to play hard court volleyball, Sitting Volleyball allows me to showcase my skills and passion for the game. It’s a reminder that my love for volleyball knows no limits, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue playing,” Francis added.
The All Abilities program in action at Aquinas College.
Perth Reds Volleyball Association will be helping to facilitate a program through the Sports Academy for Autism Association of Western Australia this Thursday and Friday at Shenton College, while the Reds All Abilities programs and Sitting Volleyball programs will begin on 8 February. For more information and to register, please visit the links below.
Upcoming 2024 Reds Reach Programs
All Abilities Volleyball: https://www.redsvolleyball.com.au/all-abilities/
Sitting Volleyball: https://www.redsvolleyball.com.au/sitting/