Goulburn Valley Volleyball Association's annual tournament, Shepp Revival, returns for its second year this weekend, with 54 teams set to compete across Shepparton Sports Stadium and Visy Stadium.
The sport is somewhat of a sleeping giant in Shepparton, with the city producing national and state representatives such as David Waite, Glenn Harrap and Trudi Koskelainen during its heyday.
Hence the name, this tournament pays tribute to said golden era, and will see volleyball played on Shepparton’s show courts for the first time in decades.
GVVA President Sharon Murray said the tournament has grown significantly from its inaugural year.
“'We're incredibly thankful for the strong support from the extended volleyball community which will see more than 300 volleyballers travel to Shepparton and stay overnight this weekend,” Murray said.
“Last year's tournament saw 24 teams compete on all three volleyball courts at council stadiums in Shepparton, with grant funding from Greater Shepparton City Council in 2025 we've been able to double the number of volleyball courts, reaching tournament capacity this year with 54 teams across the six courts.”
The 2026 Shepp Revival will be played over Saturday and Sunday, featuring a raft of GV-based teams consisting of various demographics from Filipino, Indian and Islander backgrounds as well as Australian.
More than 40 teams competing for championship titles and prize money will arrive from outside the region, including Albury, Ballarat, Horsham, Surf Coast, and across Melbourne and even and four from Griffith in NSW.
Entry is free for spectators, with match schedules available on Volleyball Australia's app.
While this weekend’s event is a big step in growing the sport back to its former glory, the GVVA also runs weekly sessions at Shepparton Sports Stadium from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday and Sunday nights, with a beginner program for 12-14-year-olds at 5:30pm on Sundays.
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