Quarter century of indoor beach volleyball in Joondalup
Marking its 25th anniversary this month, the Joondalup Indoor Beach Volleyball Centre remains the top spot for volleyball fans across Perth's northern suburbs.
When it opened on Winton Road in 2000, it was surrounded by bushland and kangaroos, with no freeway in sight.
Darrel Fox, together with his wife Vicki and son Jayson, is recognised as a driving force behind the creation of WA's indoor beach volleyball industry.
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He pioneered the sport by establishing centres in Port Kennedy, Malaga, Canning Vale, Bunbury, Fremantle and Joondalup, as well as founding the Indoor Beach Volleyball Federation.
Mr Fox recalled how their opening of the Joondalup Centre coincided with a historic moment for beach volleyball in Australia just three months later.
'We moved into Joondalup the same year beach volleyball made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Games, where Australians Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst won gold — which was purely coincidental but really helped boost the sport's profile,' Mr Fox said.
Though Joondalup is now the only centre they still own and operate as he moves closer to retirement, Mr Fox said that after a quarter of a century Perth's indoor beach volleyball community remained as strong as ever, with current participation evidence of that. Joondalup Indoor Beach Volleyball is celebrating 25 years of operation this month. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
'We have everyone from schools bringing students in to play to 80-year-olds who join to stay active and social,' Mr Fox said.
'We've even started drop-in volleyball sessions, designed specifically to give shift workers like police, nurses and FIFO employees a flexible way to play team sports without the pressure of long-term commitment, which supports their mental health and social connection.'
Given the sport is played indoors with nets and soft sand, Mr Fox said there's never a quiet season, with players of all ages and skill levels drawn to the game year-round.
'The nets are what make the game, helping beginners get started and giving more experienced players even greater control,' he said.
'Schools especially love it because, unlike on large ovals or basketball courts where balls can fly and distract kids, the nets keep the ball in play, helping students stay focused and the game run smoothly.' Owner Darrel Fox said the sport is popular with all age groups. Credit: Riley Churchman / The West Australian
An indoor sports centre just down the road in Joondalup, Bouncer, closed its doors earlier this year after 30 years due to what it described as unsustainable rent increases.
Mr Fox hopes privately operated indoor sports venues will one day receive support from the government or local councils in recognition of their important contribution to the community.
'People wonder why places like Bouncer closed, why two or three of our volleyball centres shut in the last 18 months. It's not because we want to. It's just really hard to survive with the costs,' he said.
'We're trying to provide for the community but don't get any assistance. Eventually they'll all be gone, like most squash centres have disappeared, and a lot of indoor cricket centres have closed down over the last 20 years here in WA.'
Mr Fox believes council-run recreation centres should look to cater for a broader range of activities rather than just traditional sports.
'Overheads are so high now, it's just not viable anymore for a lot of private sports centres,' he said.
'It'd be great if the government or councils provided space at new recreation centres for activities other than basketball courts, as people want more variety these days.'
The centre holds a special place in the hearts of many locals after nurturing players who began with no volleyball experience and went on to represent Australia nationally and internationally.
Mr Fox hopes it will continue to serve the community for many years to come.
'It would be devastating for people if this place closed. It's more than a community — it's like a close-knit family,' he said.
'The kids who played here 20 years ago are now bringing their own children to play here.
'It's been a great 25 years, and hopefully the sport will still be going strong for another 25, even if I'm not the one running it.'
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