Published on 09 September 2026
Horsham will welcome some of Victoria's most promising young volleyball players when it hosts the 2026 Junior Country Championships – West from 25 to 27 September 2026.
The tournament to be held at the Horsham Basketball Stadium, will bring together the best junior country volleyball talent from across Western Victoria in what is expected to be an exciting weekend of high-level competition.
The event is being delivered by Volleyball Victoria in partnership with Horsham Rural City Council and Volleyball Horsham, further strengthening Horsham's reputation as a leading destination for major regional junior sporting events.
The 2026 tournament marks an exciting new chapter for country volleyball, with the long-running Junior Country Championships expanding into separate East and West competitions to accommodate growing participation numbers. Winners from each regional championship will then compete to determine the overall junior champions in each male and female division.
Mayor Cr Brian Klowss said the championships would deliver significant benefits for both the local community and the economy.
"Hosting major events is about more than filling venues for a weekend. It's about creating opportunities for our community, building confidence in our region and demonstrating that Horsham has the facilities, experience and community spirit to attract events of state significance," Cr Klowss said.
"Securing events like this is important for our region because they create opportunities for local businesses, support jobs and showcase Horsham as a vibrant place to live, work and visit."
Cr Todd Wilson said the event would leave a lasting impression on the region’s young athletes.
“This tournament gives our local young people the chance to see some of the state's best junior volleyball talent up close, right here in Horsham. That kind of exposure can be the spark that gets a kid off the sideline and involved into a sporting club.”
"Events like this also bring welcome visitors to our city for the weekend, which is a genuine boost for our local businesses and a great showcase of everything the Wimmera has to offer," Cr Wilson said.
The Junior Country Championships continue to play a vital role in developing regional volleyball pathways, providing young athletes with opportunities to represent their local associations and compete at a high level.
The event is expected to attract hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators to Horsham, delivering increased visitation and economic activity across the municipality.
For more information, visit www.volleyballvictoria.org.au
ENDS