Announcing the JVL-HVL Seasons
3 February 2026
This year we will host the 5th year of our Junior Volleyball League (JVL)! Back in 2020 we had a dream for the establishment of a local league which would support young competitors extend their volleyball skills from school and from development programs, into a regular weekly competition.
The JVL dream began to emerge with the first competition in 2022. Part of the future for JVL we imagined was building playing communities based around each of the participating teams, and creating a well-established inter-city competition!
In 2026 we are excited to formalise the next stage of this dream by slight re-branding the existing 4 teams, as follows:
Lake Macquarie Sunbirds
Newcastle Redbacks
Newcastle Sharks
Maitland Panthers (sponsored by Club Maitland City)
The 2026 schedule is now available to download, view and plan for upcoming Junior team trials on 20th and 27th April. You'll see that we have integrated "home rounds" for each of the teams which feature junior and senior matches which we want to wash with colour for each of the hosting teams!
This season also sees the 2nd year of the Hunter Volleyball League (HVL) (formerly Premier Volleyball League (PVL)), which has been renamed for clarity on its location, and allows for expansion in the future with divisions able to be added as we grow, and connect into the JVL players moving up into senior competitions.
We're excited to host some JVL/HVL training sessions to build community through our emerging and experienced players, connect coaches with pathways into senior teams, and welcome everyone to a team which they can grow with over time.
HVL Trials are coming up from 7th April. The 2025 Team Captains will be starting the process by contacting 2025 players to discuss returning in 2026, before nominations open for 2026 team positions/vacancies.
SPONSORS WELCOME
We are currently seeking Sponsors & Partners for the 2026/27 JVL and HVL Leagues, as well as individual Team Sponsors for the Lake Macquarie Sunbirds, Newcastle Redbacks and Newcastle Sharks teams (featuring Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Men's and Women's players). Please contact Michelle Slack-Smith, Operations Manager for more information on how to support the Leagues and Teams, and create a legacy for volleyball's future.