Sport
19 October, 2025
Team sport spiking interest
CAIRNS Volleyball is celebrating a significant win after its men’s team claimed victory in the second tier of the Queensland State Championships held in Brisbane last month.
Cairns sent two men’s teams to the competition, a strong showing for a region that’s only recently rebuilt its program after several quiet years. The tournament featured five divisions and this was just the second year Cairns has fielded men’s teams again.
“It’s the halfway step into the national competition,” said Cairns Volleyball past president Chris Poppell.
“We’re not at that top level yet, that takes a lot of depth and consistency, but we went into the second tier and won it. The guys played really well.”
The local league runs throughout the winter season, concluding in mid-September before sending its top players to higher-level competitions, such as the Brisbane event.
Interest in volleyball across Cairns has surged in recent years.
“Our memberships have tripled or even quadrupled over the past three or four years,” Mr Poppell said.
“It’s really taken off through the schools. It’s a low-impact sport, it’s social and it’s built around teamwork. You can’t win a game alone.”
Mr Poppell said the sport was attracting new players from a wide range of ages.
“We’re seeing a lot of people in their late 20s and 30s coming in and saying, ‘I need a new sport.’
“The challenge for us is keeping up with that demand. The more we offer, the more interest we get.”
Cairns Volleyball also plays a key role in developing the region’s beach volleyball scene, including hosting the popular ‘Masters tournament’ and supporting junior players who go on to represent Queensland.
Indoor volleyball is played year-round, while beach volleyball remains a relaxed and social pursuit during the dry season.
“Beach volleyball here tends to happen more casually, someone sends a message on WhatsApp and within two hours you’ve got people turning up ready to play,” Mr Poppell said.
For more information, visit ‘Cairns Volleyball’ on Facebook and find out how to get involved.
