Freezone Volleyball Champions Inclusion at Pride in Sport Festival

The Pride in Sport Festival is a nationwide celebration of diversity and inclusion in sport, featuring a calendar of events designed to increase LGBTQ+ participation at every level — from grassroots to elite. Through workshops, competitions, and community activations, the festival champions safe, welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive in sport across Australia.

Volleyball NSW is committed to providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment for all people. Being an inclusive sport reflects our core values and the diversity of our local communities. Everyone has a place in our sport, exactly as they are.

As a longstanding advocate for inclusive sport, Freezone Volleyball Club once again led by example in 2025 with the launch of a new initiative aimed at beginner players within the LGBTQ+ community: a dedicated Beginner Skills Programme.

Recognising that starting a new sport can be intimidating, especially in a fast-paced game like volleyball, Freezone wanted to address two key challenges: the need for a supportive environment for new players and the ongoing issue of limited court space in Sydney.

“Many of our regular sessions cater to experienced players,” said club president Andrew Wilmot. “That often leaves limited opportunity for new players to come in, learn the basics, and build their confidence. We wanted to change that.”

The idea for the Beginner Skills Program grew from a committee discussion about a potential coaching “takeover” of a regular Sunday session. When an opportunity to partner with Pride in Sport and access grant funding arose, the timing was perfect. The result was a three-week coaching program held in March, as part of the Sydney Mardi Gras Sports Festival.

Thanks to the support of the grant, the program was free to attend and quickly filled, with 24 new participants each week. Expertly led by coaches Nathan and Eli, the sessions focused on building fundamental volleyball skills in a relaxed, inclusive environment. More than just a training program, the sessions created a space for new friendships, confidence-building, and community connection.

“Our goal was to introduce the basics in a way that felt encouraging and pressure-free,” said Andrew. “It was fantastic to see everyone progress so quickly, and even more rewarding to see the sense of connection that formed among the group.”

The programme was one of the only events in the festival to completely book out, highlighting both the demand for beginner-friendly volleyball opportunities and the success of Freezone’s inclusive approach. Volleyball NSW in conjuntion with the event organisers worked together to provide gift bags for all event particpants free of charge, adding to the overall success of the event. 

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

“Thanks for a great time! Volleyball is a tricky sport to pick up for newbies, so please run this again. The program was great — good organisers, great coaches, and it was a very welcoming event!”

Freezone’s Beginner Skills Program stands as a shining example of what happens when inclusion is put into action. With thoughtful planning and community-minded leadership, the club continues to lead the way in making volleyball more accessible, diverse, and welcoming for all.

Check our some of the photos from the event.