Dragons Academy
What is Dragons Academy?
Dragons Academy is a year‑long, high‑performance volleyball development program for juniors and young adults. It delivers comprehensive technical, tactical, and skill‑acquisition training, supported by strength and conditioning, coaching education, officiating opportunities, team‑building work, and applied sports psychology.
Players must trial to be considered. Accepted athletes train across all four school terms for the full calendar year. The Academy operates independently of other Dragons programs, including High School Training (HST), Premier Volleyball League (PVL), or Queensland State Championships.
The Academy’s goals extend beyond improving volleyball ability. Athletes are expected to develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and a growth mindset. Standards of discipline and mutual respect are mandatory and non‑negotiable.
Who are the coaches?
Head Coach and Tier 1 Coach – Angel Scanlon
A former national indoor and beach volleyball representative with extensive coaching and playing experience across Asia. After relocating to Australia in 2010, she identified significant gaps in junior development pathways and built multiple programs to address them, eventually founding Dragons Academy in 2019. She oversees all program operations, leads the highest‑tier athlete groups, and mentors the coaching staff.
Tier 2 and Tier 3 Lead Coaches – Luka King and Casey Milne
Both are Academy alumni who advanced through its elite tiers as athletes. They understand the program’s standards, expectations, and framework, and they lead the mid‑ and entry‑tier groups while maintaining the Academy’s culture and training methodology.
The Academy is additionally supported by a wider staff group with substantial high‑level playing and coaching experience, many of whom are former Academy athletes. Coach development and internal promotion are deliberate pillars of the program, ensuring continuity of culture, standards, and training quality.
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)?
Academy is a holistic training development program that 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. Tier 1 and Tier 2 senior players will also have the opportunity to coach as part of their coaching development.
HST a training-only program for everyone, providing 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, you will be directed 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.