2023 Youth Phoenix Beach Program Overview

Off the back of an amazing season in 2021-2022 the Phoenix Beach Volleyball program is set to return in January! With so many beach volleyball events happening locally, regionally and nationally as well as high levels of interest with youth in NSW this season will be our largest yet!

There are still some locations yet to be confirmed for the Youth Beach Phoenix program. The below schedule is meant to provide a season outline with the confirmed information, with details yet to be confirmed will be provided as soon as possible.

This season started with a period of play to allow athletes time to develop their sand legs, explore partnerships and compete in skill and age based competitions. Beyond volleyball this phase is critical for athletes coming off their indoor season to recover, catch up with school and have some time off before the beach season picks up in January.

Moving into the state team program the Phoenix season will be split into three phases:

1. TID (talent identification) 
2. SQUAD 
3. TEAM 

Each phase has a very specific purpose with key activities and deliverables in an effort to optimally support the development of youth across NSW, while giving everyone space to play, compete and be seen. Each TID camp and activity is meant for Phoenix coaches to assess as many athletes as possible in order to invite the top athletes into the Squad Camp. Phoenix Teams will be selected from the Squad Camp where athletes will earn the opportunity to train with the top athletes in NSW and represent their state at the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships (AYBVC).

TID PHASE

This phase is about Talent Identification (TID) where athletes demonstrate their skills and showcase their ability through camps and targeted competitions. Athletes who participate in these events will be observed and assessed by Phoenix Coaches. Those who demonstrate talent and are competitive in and above their age groups will be invited to the State Squad Camp.

It is important to note that during the TID Phase athletes can play with anyone they choose. VNSW will not lead any partnership decisions or act on behalf of any individual prior to the Squad Camp. It is on the athletes to create their own partnerships that align with their capability and goals.

VNSW will begin its TID phase at Newcastle during the 4 day beach volleyball event January 7-10th. This series of activities is designed for athletes to be able to participate in multiple programs in the same location. Athletes aspiring to compete at the top level may enter the senior competition Saturday and Sunday.

The Sunday TID Camp will be open to U16-U18 age categories. Athletes will go through individual skill and anthropometric assessments in the first half and then play targeted matches in the second half. Athletes are encouraged to compete in the Junior competition on Monday as well as the youth competition on Tuesday.

The Monday afternoon TID Camp will be open to U14 & U15 age categories and will be open to younger ages provided it is not their first time playing volleyball. This camp will offer some skill development but will be focused more on creating fun and positive playing conditions. Athletes are encouraged to play in the Youth tournament on Tuesday.

VNSW officials will be delivering the camps and observing athletes aspiring to represent NSW. TID camp information as well as competition results will be used to inform Squad Camp selections.

Register here for Sunday 9-5PM TID Camp registration for U16/U17/U18

Register here for Monday 3-7PM TID Camp Registration for U14/U15

Please note that the above links DO NOT REGISTER YOU FOR COMPETITIONS. Please go to the VNSW events page to register for Newcastle Youth and/or Junior tournaments.  > Beach Volleyball Tour

Following Newcastle, VNSW will be on site for the Avoca U19 Competition to TID athletes leading into the Squad Camp. Final event finishes and rankings during this phase will be used to inform Squad Camp invitations.

Athletes who wish to be invited to the Squad Camp but are unable to participate in Newcastle activities should email Filip (filip.zapala@volleyballnsw.com.au) to discuss other TID solutions

SQUAD PHASE

This phase is where the State Beach Volleyball athletes and teams are selected. Athletes will be invited to the Squad Camp through the previously described TID activities, camps and competitions.

This year the Squad Phase will have two activities, one compulsory and one optional

Athletes must participate in this phase to be considered for the Youth Beach Phoenix Team.

The 2023 Squad Camp will take place on Manly Beach January 28^th & 29^th. This camp will be split into two days with U16/U17/U18 on Saturday and U14/U15 on Sunday. Athletes invited to this camp will be provided with an official email invitation prior to the camp where they will be expected to register online to secure their spot. Selection processes and criterion will be provided prior to this phase to support athletes in their preparation.

This camp will be led by VNSW Head Coaches and State Team coaches with half the day spent on game systems and half they day focused on competition.

State Teams will be confirmed through this camp. Athletes will be notified the following week of January 30^th-February 3^rd.

TEAM PHASE

Once athletes and teams are selected the Team Phase will consist of two activities.

All Youth Beach Phoenix Athletes will be expected to compete in the VNSW Youth Championships in their age groups. This event will be used as preparation for Nationals and will compete to earn their NSW age group ranking leading into AYBVC.

Teams will be required to register for this event separately as it is not included in the Youth Beach Phoenix program.

This Championship event will be followed by a Team Phase Camp on the weekend of February 18^th and 19^th. We are currently waiting on confirmation of a permit, so details will be posted as soon as they become available.

The intention is to have optional team trainings during the Team Phase at the Sydney Academy of Sport. Dates, times and details of these trainings will be posted as soon as they are available.

AYBVC (Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championship)

Repeating the location and format from previous years AYBVC will be held in Coolangatta, QLD March 27^th through to March 30^st. The contingency will travel up to Coolangatta on April 26^th and return after the awards ceremony on March 30th.

This is always a highlight event for everyone involved as the hotel is directly across from the beach, Phoenix beach culture is amazing and the event itself is fantastic.

VNSW is currently confirming accommodation capacities and delegation logistics for this major event and will provide full pricing and details as soon as they are confirmed.

All information will be gradually added on to our NSW Phoenix website > https://www.revolutionise.com.au/phoenixvnsw/home/

Hope to see as many of you as possible in Newcastle!

Yours,