Dragons Academy
What is Dragons Academy?
Dragons Academy is a high performance and high intensity training development program for high school and tertiary age players. It is a structured and holistic year-long program offered to athletes from 12 to 22 year olds. Younger kids aged 10-11 year olds will be considered provided they meet the selection criteria. This program covers volleyball training, coaching development, 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.
This is a training-only program, players will need to trial and be assessed to be considered a place in the program. Players accepted in this program are expected to commit to the calendar year (during school terms). This program does not entail any competitions. Dragons Academy is separate to other programs such as High School Training, Premier Volleyball League, 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.
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 (terms 1 and 4) and Ferny Grove State High School (terms 2 and 3). This program is not run at Richlands East State School.
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 to be considered. Players are assessed against the program's selection criteria and there are limited places for each skill group. We accept registrations anytime during the year however players will attend trials during the trial period of each term. You will receive details via email.
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. The high skill group senior players are expected to coach as part of their coaching development, and to be involved in the development of the kids in Spikezone and lower skill group players in Acaedemy. Players who do not meet the expectations or selection criteria will not be offered a place in the program.
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?
Most trials occur in term 4 each year and during the December/Jan Summer term. We also offer trials each term 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 for the rest of the year will be offered for those who join late. However acceptance into the program is pending available places in the program.
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?
Refunds are not offered if you choose to pause one/two terms. A refund is only considered for extreme and extenuating circumstances as approved by the club. Players who are unable to commit to the full load for a specific school term due to reasons such as Academy 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 during school terms due to reasons such as Academy training clashing with work, you will be asked to join High School Training program, which will allow you 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 2025 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.
Ferny Grove State High School
Address: 26 McGinn Rd, Ferny Grove
Entrance: Entrance
Site Map: Car park and sports hall map
You must only park at the designated carparks and not in front of the sports hall. Note: Gates automatically lock at 9.15pm