BEACH VOLLEYBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SPURS SOUTH AUSTRALIA VOLLEYBALL COMMUNITY TO BRING TO LIFE BON
21 November 2025
Performance Our People Juniors Fun and SocialThe Beach Volleyball World Championships has galvanised the local Adelaide volleyball community, who have turned out in their hundreds to volunteer and support visiting teams from across the globe.
It has also provided an excellent opportunity for South Australian rising stars to make their World Championships debut including Jack Pearse, Jana Milutinovic, Tara Phillips and D’artagnan Potts, who have Olympic aspirations and could line up for Australia at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Last month, the City of Adelaide Council formally approved Volleyball South Australia’s proposal to establish a new beach volleyball venue at Bonython Park, marking a major milestone in bringing the sport’s city-based home back to life. A home World Championships has renewed efforts to get the project up and running.
Olympic gold medalist Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook, today threw their support behind Volleyball South Australia who are looking to create lasting legacy beyond the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships, through facilities, creating player opportunities as well as driving more volunteering.
Volleyball SA CEO Karla Della Pietra said: “I guarantee, those who have already attended the World Championships have had a really fun time.
“From the activities for kids, the celebrations of our multicultural communities, the party atmosphere of the courts and the incredible athleticism of the athletes - you’ll go home wanting more beach volleyball.
“That’s why we’ve been working on replacing the adored Adelaide City Beach which was situated on the corner of Frome and Pirie Street, for four years now, and thank you to the City of Adelaide and the Lord Mayor, this could soon become a reality.
“We’re looking forward to having further discussions with the state government and Minister Pearce on funding arrangements that would enable us to build a new Beach Volleyball facility at Bonython Park.
“The facility would feature 6 beach volleyball courts which could be transformed into 1-2 show courts, or alternatively used for other sports such as Beach Tennis or Beach Soccer.
“Hosting major international sporting events should create a meaningful legacy that continues to benefit the South Australian community long after the event ends,” she said.
Hailing from Adelaide, Olympic gold medalist Pottharst said access to facilities is crucial to fostering the next generation of volleyballers.
“This World Championships has been one of the best events I’ve ever been to in my life,” Pottharst said.
“Bondi [Sydney Olympics] was obviously an incredible moment for us, but unfortunately we didn’t get the legacy we were hoping for, with courts down on that beach.
“It’s so fantastic to hear that Volleyball SA have been working on the new facility at Bonython Park. Access to facilities is so important to inspiring the next generation of Olympic hopefuls, especially ahead of Brisbane 2032,” she said.
The Beach Volleyball World Championships are currently underway at The Drive and Pinky Flat in the heart of Adelaide, with finals to be held across the weekend.