December NPP Camps Build Connections and Performance – Volleyball Australia

December NPP Camps Build Connections and Performance

Following the conclusion of the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup, selected junior athletes from across the country transitioned straight into an intensive week of development, attending the December National Performance Program (NPP) Camps. 

With boys based on the Sunshine Coast and girls in Toowoomba, the camps brought together emerging talent for six days of high-performance training, connection and growth.

The NPP Camps welcomed a mix of athletes experiencing the program for the first time alongside those returning for multiple years, creating an environment that balanced excitement with familiarity. Living, training and recovering together, athletes were immersed in a demanding but supportive setting that reflected the expectations of the national pathway.

Across the week, sessions were intentionally challenging and fast-paced, pushing athletes physically and mentally while encouraging them to embrace the process. Training was intense, but the strong sense of community that developed off the court was just as significant. Sharing accommodation, meals and downtime helped build connections across states and age groups, strengthening bonds that extended into training and gameplay.

Coaches Hannah Walker and Matt Lanham on-site in Toowoomba with the girls cohort, brought extensive experience and a clear focus on athlete development. 

“My favourite part about NPP Camps is sharing that love of volleyball and particularly for me, the strategies and tactics side of volleyball, and the psychology behind the sport,” Walker said. 

“All the athletes are super keen and eager to learn so I just love being there for them as a knowledgeable source.”

“Feeling pretty good after the camp, a few sore bodies and a bit of fatigue, but the girls have been doing a really great job,” Lanham said. 

“There’s been a lot of good energy through this week and into gameplay.”

For the athletes, one of the standout aspects of the camp was exposure to a variety of coaches and perspectives. Many valued the chance to connect with players and staff from other states, gaining insight into different playing styles and approaches to the game. The environment encouraged learning not only through structured sessions, but by watching others train, compete and problem-solve on court.

Athletes described the camp as exciting, challenging and rewarding, with several noting how the experience strengthened their ability to communicate and work with different people both on and off the court. The consistent support from coaches and peers created a space where athletes felt comfortable pushing their limits and embracing feedback.

Key takeaways included learning from how others play, competing alongside teammates who elevate each other’s skills, and seeing how different states bring unique styles into the game. These experiences reinforced the value of adaptability, awareness and teamwork within a national context.

As the December NPP Camps wrapped up, athletes left with strengthened connections, renewed motivation and a deeper understanding of what it takes to progress within the Australian volleyball pathway.