Dragons Academy
What is Dragons Academy?
Dragons Academy is a high performance, high intensity, holistic year-long training development program for juniors and adults with a key focus in skill acquisition, tactical and technical skills. This program also covers coaching development (for the higher-level skill groups only), officiating, strength & conditioning, and team building activities. Knowledge-based sessions such as sports nutrition, sports psychology, etc, are also incorporated into the program on an ad-hoc basis.
Players will need to trial and be assessed. As this is a full-year program, players accepted in the program will train during school terms through the calendar year. Dragons Academy is separate to other programs such as High School Training, Premier Volleyball League, QLD State Champs, etc.
Dragons Academy is more than just a training program. The program aims to develop athletes not only in the physical aspect of the sport but also in guiding lifelong learning to build character such as broadening your knowledge, cultivating self-discipline, tenacity, teamwork, leadership skills, and fostering growth mindset. Utmost discipline and respect for each other in the program are the non-negotiables at Dragons Academy.
Who are the coaches?
The program is led by our Head Coach, Angel Scanlon. She was an ex-national representative as a player and coach in indoor and beach volleyball and brings with her a wealth of experience from Asia. Seeing some gaps in the junior development, he introduced Dragons Academy program in 2019. Beside managing the overall program, she coaches the Elite and Advanced groups.
Our Development group Lead Coaches are Luka King and Casey Milne. Both of them were part of the Academy elite levels as high schoolers, and are very familiar with the demands, expectations and structure of the program. As coaches they continue to maintain the high standard, structure, and culture of the program.
All 3 key coaches are supported by our team of Academy coaches, most of whom have high level playing and coaching experience domestically and internationally, and have also been part of the Academy program previously. We believe in passing the baton to continue the legacy of our program culture and standards.
How often are the training sessions?
Outside PVL season (usually terms 1 and 4), players will attend 2 sessions a week. During PVL season (usually terms 2 and 3), players will attend 1 session a week. Each session is about 1.5-2 hours.
Where are trainings held?
Academy trainings are run at The Gap State High School in 2026.
I am with another club and would like to remain with my club for PVL. Can I still trial/join Dragons Academy?
You absolutely can. This program is open to anyone from any clubs and/or schools with no obligation to play PVL with Dragons. It is all about supporting you as an individual throughout your volleyball development journey.
How can I join Academy?
All players (members and non-members) must register to trial. Players are assessed against the program's selection criteria and there are limited places for each skill group. See our trial details page for more 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 have missed signing up to trial for the next Academy intake. Can I still register to trial?
If you miss the main trial period for the following year's intake, we also offer trials in terms 1 to 3 if spaces allow. See our trial details page for more information.
Do I still have to pay for the full year if I join late?
A reduced fee will be offered for those who join late.
Will there be any refunds if I cannot commit to one/two of the school terms? Or if I can only attend once a week instead of twice a week?
Once registered, you are committing to the full fee for the whole calendar year (or reduced fee if join late). Refunds are not offered if you choose to pause for a period of time, away for school camps, short term injuries, etc. A refund may only be considered for extreme and extenuating circumstances as approved by the club. Players who who need to take some time off due to reasons such as training clashing with school/other sporting commitment may negotiate a reduced training load or other alternatives with the Head Coach.
If you are unable to commit to the full year to reasons such as training clashing with work, you will be asked to join High School Training program--a program that offers players the flexibility to sign up on a term-by-term basis.
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 Information:
The Gap State High School
Address: 1020 Waterworks Road, The Gap
Access: Car park and sports hall map
You must only park at the designated carparks and not in the space and hill in front of the sports hall.