NCD Volleyball Association starts proper season

National Capital District Volleyball Association will head into proper season this weekend after concluding a three-week trial.

The association also welcomed back its elite players who took part in the Pacific Games with the competition embracing a tough challenge by their presence.

NCDVA president Wally Irau said the premier volleyball competition in Port Moresby is geared to endure another sporting year with eagerness as the competition throws off round 1 this weekend.

“We’re looking forward to a lengthy season this year,” Irau told NBC News.

“We had our preseason for the last three weekends and the turnout has been appealing.

“So we’re hoping for a very good competition which should end with the finals before the National Championships in September.”

NCDVA has been a major selection hub for the PNG Amoa men’s and women’s team with bulk of their players recently competing in the Pacific Games.

Irau says their presence in the competition will boost the standard of the code, given the experience gained at the international level.

“Most of the players from NCDVA are part of the national teams and it’s good to have them back in the association,” he said.

“The will help their clubs compete and add value to the competition.”

The president said 2024 season is projected for interesting turnout of events with the inclusion of Kalanos.

He said the new club entering the association would also add some spark in the title battle. Irau added that the association is now working to strengthen its rules, citing strong warning on player movements.

“Players are not allowed to move from club to club during proper season,” Irau said.

“Once they’re registered to NCDVA they’re not allowed to move to another association as well. The constitution is there and if they bridge it they will face the consequences.”

NCDVA continues to groom national players representing the country and president Irau is calling on business houses to support the association.

He said having a sponsor would ignite the competition and build the next crop of volleyball stars in PNG.