Volleyball SA ‘urgently’ needs new Adelaide home ahead of World Beach Volleyball Championships in November
More than 75,000 people are set to flock to beach volleyball world championships in Adelaide later this year – but a shock move threatens to shatter organisers’ dreams.
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Volleyball SA is urgently seeking a new home three years after its Pirie St site was sold off by Adelaide City Council and as the state prepares to host 75,000 spectators later this year.
The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships at The Drive, in November, will mark the first time it has been held in Oceania and is expected to pique interest in the sport.
More than 190 of the world’s best volleyball athletes will compete over 10-days – on the back of global popularity and being one of the most watched sports at the Paris Olympics.
Volleyball SA chief executive Karla Della Pietra expected interest in the sport to swell and “it’s pretty hard to capitalise on that when we have no access to facilities”.
“We’re aiming for 75,000 spectators (for the event) and we’re acutely aware the world champs will boost participation numbers,” Ms Della Pietra said.
“But we’re already at capacity – Glenelg Beach is used every night, especially through summer – we cannot fit more people in as it stands.
“(A new home) is crucial, not only for participation, but the coastline because with climate change and erosion, beaches aren’t always the most appropriate option.”
In 2022, the council sold the city beach volleyball courts, on the corner of Pirie and Frome streets and had given Volleyball SA conditional approval to use Bonython Park.
The conditions included Volleyball SA receiving sufficient funding for a new beach volleyball facility, a portion of the area being returned to green space and landscaping.
Volleyball SA, which has 10,500 members, worked with the state government on a $7m masterplan for the multi-use sports and activity hub at Bonython Park.
However, Ms Della Pietra said they still needed further approvals from the council.
“The government has been fantastic – they’re really supportive but they’re not in a position to give us funding with no site,” she said.
Loxton-born Olympic beach volleyballer Zachery Schubert said it was important to have a “true home” for grassroots sport to encourage junior involvement and develop athletes.
She said Volleyball SA had expressed an interest with the council to take over the lease of sports grounds at Parks 15 and 17, to put its need for a new home “back on the agenda”.
The council, at its City Community Services and Culture Committee meeting on Tuesday night, renewed Christian Brothers College’s lease of Parks 15 and 17 for five years.
A council spokesperson said staff have “maintained ongoing conversations” with Volleyball SA regarding the use of the Bonython Park.
“These discussions are ongoing and a report will be brought back to the council before proceeding,” the spokesperson said.
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Originally published as Volleyball SA ‘urgently’ needs new Adelaide home ahead of World Beach Volleyball Championships in November
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