Ballarat volleyball draws record team numbers for annual Skins event

The 46th annual Zambreros Skins tournament brought more than 75 teams to Ballarat for matches on March 21 and 22. The event expanded to three venues this year and guaranteed every team at least five games plus access to more than $15K in prize money.

This scale of participation matters now because it demonstrates how local volleyball can attract regional players and support nearby businesses during a single weekend. Organisers noted that teams invest significant time and money to attend, which is why the draw included structures for different divisions and clear finals formats.

Venues and match setup

Matches took place at Selkirk Stadium on Norman Street in Wendouree and at Ballarat Grammar School on Forest Street. The third venue rounded out the expanded footprint. A coffee van operated at Ballarat Grammar from 7:30am each day, while Selkirk Stadium offered a café and a bar that opened from 1pm on Saturday. The full draw, broken into divisions such as Premier Men, Premier Women, Reserves grades and Mixed Gender, was released in mid-March on the Volleyball Ballarat site.

Teams were asked to submit player names and VVI membership numbers ahead of the weekend to speed up scoresheet preparation. They also completed a short survey on expected time spent and spending in Ballarat. These steps helped organisers manage compliance and measure the event’s local effect.

How to prepare for the next tournament

Anyone wanting to enter future Skins events should start by forming a team and checking the Volleyball Ballarat events page for the latest draw and conditions. Early registration allows time to supply required membership details and complete the player information form, usually due a few days before play begins. Players should also note the minimum game guarantee and the range of divisions available, from top grades to mixed and lower reserves.

Sponsors such as Zambrero Ballarat on Armstrong Street, Dosa Hut on Bridge Mall and the Red Lion Hotel on Main Road offered discounts and venues for teams during the weekend. Supporting these businesses is encouraged as part of the tournament experience. The City of Ballarat backs the event through its tourism promotion at visitballarat.com.au.

Results from the 2026 edition are posted on the same Volleyball Ballarat events page once matches conclude. Residents interested in the 2027 tournament can monitor that site for registration timelines and updated draws to ensure they meet all deadlines.