Dragons Academy
What is Dragons Academy?
Dragons Academy is a year‑long, high‑performance volleyball development program for juniors and adults. It focuses on skill acquisition, tactical and technical development, and overall athlete growth. Higher‑tier groups also receive coaching development, officiating experience, strength and conditioning, and team‑building components. Knowledge sessions (e.g., sports nutrition, psychology) are added throughout the year as needed.
Entry is by trial and assessment. Accepted athletes train across all school terms for the full calendar year. The Academy is independent of other Dragons programs such as High School Training, Premier Volleyball League (PVL), or Queensland State Championships.
The Academy’s purpose extends beyond technical training. Athletes are expected to develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and a growth mindset. Discipline and mutual respect are non‑negotiable.
Who are the coaches?
Head Coach – Angel Scanlon
Former national indoor and beach volleyball representative player and coach with extensive experience across Asia. After moving to Australia in 2010, she identified gaps in junior development and created several pathway programs, culminating in the establishment of Dragons Academy in 2019. She oversees the entire program, leads the high‑tier groups, and mentors the coaching team.
Intermediate & Development Tier Lead Coaches – Luka King and Casey Milne
Both progressed through the Academy’s elite levels as athletes and understand its standards, expectations, and structure. They lead the mid‑ and entry‑tier groups and uphold the program culture.
All key coaches are supported by a broader staff group with high‑level playing and coaching backgrounds, many of whom are Academy alumni. The program intentionally develops and promotes coaches to maintain its culture and standards.
How often are the training sessions?
- Outside PVL season (Terms 1 and 4): 2 sessions per week
- During PVL season (Terms 2 and 3): 1 session per week
Each session runs for 1.5–2 hours.
Where are trainings held?
The Gap State High School and Ferny Grove State High School.
I play for another club and want to stay with them for PVL. Can I still trial Dragons Academy?
Yes you can. Dragons Academy is open to athletes from any club or school. There is no requirement to play PVL for Dragons. The program focuses on your individual development.
How do I join Academy?
All players—members and non‑members—must register to trial. Athletes are assessed against defined selection criteria, and each tier has limited places. See the trial details page for dates and registration information.
What is the difference between Academy and High School Training (HST)?
Whist both are training-only programs, Academy demands higher levels of player discipline and competitiveness, commitment to a full year, and higher level of skills and knowledge. Only those who meet the selection criteria will be offered a spot. The high skill group senior players will also have the opportunity to coach as part of their coaching development.
HST is for everyone, a more relaxed environment to learn, improve, have fun, and make new friends. The program offers players the flexibility to register on a term-by-term basis. See High School Training for information.
I missed the main train period. Can I still to trial?
Yes. Additional trial opportunities are offered in Terms 1–3. Check the trial details page for upcoming dates.
If I join late, do I still have to pay for the full year?
A reduced fee applies to late entrants.
Are refunds offered if I cannot attend for part of the year, or can only train once a week?
Once registered, you are expected to commit to the full calendar year (or reduced late-entry fee). Refunds are not granted for missed training due to camps, short‑term injuries, or voluntary breaks. Refund are only considered in extreme and exceptional circumstances and require club approval.
If training conflicts with school or another sport, you may discuss reduced training load options with the Head Coach.
If ongoing work or scheduling conflicts mean you cannot commit to the year‑long structure, you will be directed to the High School Training program which offers term‑by‑term flexibility.
Volleyball Queensland (VQ) Membership
As an affiliate club with Volleyball Queensland, each player must have a current Volleyball Queensland membership to participate in our programs. Academy requires a minimum membership level of 'Recreational', but the member could also have 'Full' membership. Once accepted into the program and registered, we will direct you to the Volleyball Queensland membership page, so that you can get that sorted. Please see VQ Membership Requirements for more information.
Have a questions? Want to know more?
Academy 2026 Trial Details:
See details and registration HERE.
Training Venues:
There are specific venue rules in each training venue. Click on venue(s) below to view details.