BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF) has unveiled an extensive national action program for 2026, outlining a series of competitions, development initiatives and international engagements that aim to strengthen volleyball across the country.
A statement from SIVF said confirmed that the calendar will feature major national tournaments, coaching education programs, community development activities and regional competitions, providing opportunities for athletes, officials and clubs at all levels.
National Provincial Championships
The highlight of the early season will be the 19th National Provincial Volleyball Championships (NPVC) scheduled for April 3–6, 2026, featuring both men’s and women’s competitions.
Athletes will be eligible to compete for their respective provinces if they are originally from that province or have resided there for at least six months.
Prior to the championships, the federation will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 2, 2026 at Legacy Haus in Honiara. The meeting will bring together delegates from provincial volleyball associations to discuss key development priorities for the sport.
Coaching development program
In June, the federation will host the Olympic Solidarity Technical Coaching Course Level 1, scheduled for June 22–26, 2026. The course will target national team coaches, provincial and club coaches, as well as senior athletes interested in advancing their coaching knowledge.
The program forms part of international development support through the FIVB Empowerment Project, which also includes a focus on technical officials and knowledge transfer.
Solomon Games and Independence Championship
Volleyball will also feature prominently at the 2026 Solomon Games, with both indoor and beach volleyball included in the sports program. The multi-sport event is tentatively scheduled for the end of June through the first week of July, with all provinces invited to participate.
Immediately after the Solomon Games, the federation will stage the 18th National Club Independence Championships (NCC) from July 5–8, 2026, commemorating the country’s Independence celebrations.
The NCC will be open to all provincial and Honiara-based clubs competing in both men’s and women’s divisions.
International representation
At the regional level, the federation will represent the country at the Asian Volleyball Confederation General Assembly in Thailand from August 8–9, 2026, where at least one SIVF delegate will attend.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands national teams have been invited to compete in the Oceania Volleyball Championships Qualifiers in Guam from August 18–20, 2026. The tournament will serve as a qualification pathway for the 2027 Pacific Games and Asian Volleyball Confederation Championships.
Both men’s and women’s national indoor teams are expected to participate.
Domestic leagues and grassroots events
At the domestic level, the Honiara Volleyball League (HVL) will begin on August 23, 2026, organized by the Honiara Volleyball Association. The competition will include premier and divisional categories and is open to all Honiara-based clubs.
Development of youth volleyball will continue with the Honiara School Cup, scheduled for September 28–30, inviting schools across the capital to compete in boys’ and girls’ divisions.
The federation will also stage a Beach Volleyball Open Festival on October 17–18, offering competition for both junior and senior categories.
To promote workplace wellness and community participation, the federation will conclude the year with the 5th Annual Corporate Volleyball Competition in November, inviting government ministries and private sector organizations to compete.
Ongoing development programs
Beyond competitions, the SIVF will continue to roll out its Volley4Life (V4L) development sessions throughout the country, focusing on youth engagement and community participation.
The federation will also maintain its Pikinini Volleyball Excellence Program, which trains children aged 9 to 14 years at the Legacy Haus outdoor courts in Honiara.
SIVF officials say the 2026 calendar reflects the federation’s commitment to expanding volleyball participation nationwide while preparing national teams for regional and international competitions.
“With a full year of activities planned, the federation aims to strengthen the sport from grassroots to elite level while providing more opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials across Solomon Islands,” the federation said.
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