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Murray's Mailbag

To help my son conquer a fear — riding across a long dirt path near a lake during our Sunday bike ride — I bribed my son by telling him I’d get him some Pokémon cards if he did it. After the ride, we look for said Pokémon cards, which apparently are impossible to find […]

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Murray's Mailbag

To help my son conquer a fear — riding across a long dirt path near a lake during our Sunday bike ride — I bribed my son by telling him I’d get him some Pokémon cards if he did it. After the ride, we look for said Pokémon cards, which apparently are impossible to find in local stores. So, we ended up getting him two packs of baseball cards. He was hopeful to get an autographed card, which I told him was a low-percentage chance. I’ve personally never opened a pack with an autographed card. Low and behold, he did get an autographed card and was excited. He showed it to me. The player was Janson Junk. At first, I did not think this was a real player. It should like a name from the video game, “Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball.” Alas, Janson Junk is a real player who has appeared in 15 games from 2021-24, posting a 6.75 ERA with three teams. I would have rather had a generic card of a mid-level player. But if you anybody wants a Janson Junk autographed card, I’m your guy.

Onto this week’s Monday Mailbag. Thanks, as always, for the questions.

Here are the top-10 sports I’d like to see the Nevada Wolf Pack add, knowing full well none of these are likely to happen due to the increased expenses associated with adding sports.

10. Women’s triathlon: This is listed as an “emerging” sport that is not full-fledged Division I, although Reno-Tahoe’s location would be perfect for Nevada to get on the triathlon train.

9. Men’s lacrosse: This is mostly an East Coast sport, but Denver, for example, added this sport in 1999, put money into it and has reached six Final Fours since 2011, including the 2015 national title.

8. Men’s swimming and diving: Despite having an excellent women’s swimming and diving program, Nevada has never had a men’s swimming and diving program. UNLV does sponsor that sport.

7. Men’s wrestling: The Wolf Pack has no history in wrestling, but it is a popular sport in Northern Nevada with the Pac-12 having a wrestling conference Nevada could join.

6. Rifle: Nevada had a rifle program until it was cut in 2018 while cross country was added. It’s a low-expense sport that shouldn’t have been cut in the first place.

5. Men’s soccer: Nevada started a women’s soccer program in 2000 and has had almost no success. But if the Wolf Pack got a soccer-only stadium built, adding a men’s team (UNLV has one) would be great.

4. Women’s gymnastics: Gymnastics is popular in Nevada with the MW adding it as a sport in 2024. The conference will lose two members in 2026 (Boise State, Utah State), so Nevada adding gymnastics would help. Hire two-time Olympian Jake Dalton to run the program.

3. Men’s track and field: Nevada had an elite cross country/track and field program until the programs were cut in a Title IX move in 1994. Men’s cross country returned in 2019. Neither UNLV nor Nevada has a men’s track program.

2. Women’s beach volleyball: I’ve long felt this would be a good fit with a potential NCAA Championship at Sand Harbor. All four incoming MW schools (Grand Canyon, UC Davis, Hawaii, UTEP) have beach volleyball, as does retained member SJSU.

1. Men’s hockey: Nevada added a club hockey team this season, has some boosters with drive and capital helping run the program and the incoming hockey-ready GSR Arena (Reno Ice also could be used). This is an expensive sport (at least a $1.1 million annual budget), but things are lining up for this to at least be a possibility. I would still guess it’s more unlikely to happen than likely to happen in the next decade, but there’s now an actual chance.

I wouldn’t rule it out, but the cost of doing business at the Division I level is getting higher and higher, so I would guess Nevada State University does not make the jump to D-I in the next 25 years. It would be nice to see one of the junior colleges in Nevada — CSN, NSU, TMCC, WNC, GBC — add a football program.

If we’re limiting ourselves to the 2024-25 Wolf Pack athletic season, here would be my top-10 stories:

HM. Angels finish second in Washoe Little League’s Triple-A regular season (only team to beat the Diamondbacks); playoffs looming

10. Nevada women’s tennis nearly wins Mountain West

9. $5 million Reno-Tahoe Indoor track opens

8. Nevada athletics approved for student fee to build indoor FieldHouse

7. Wolf Pack football loses 10 games for third straight season

6. Nevada men’s basketball underachieves in 17-16 season

5. Wolf Pack volleyball’s SJSU boycott goes national

4. Nevada baseball wins Mountain West regular-season title

3. Nevada softball snap’s Wolf Pack’s three-year title drought

2. GSR Arena passed, ready to broke ground

1. Pac-12, Mountain West realignment

This isn’t going to happen, but I would implode Lawlor Events Center and put money into the Virginia Street Gym to make that the home of Nevada women’s basketball and volleyball. VSG holds 1,800 fans, which is not the ideal size for a women’s basketball program, but UNLV women’s basketball plays at Cox Pavilion (capacity 2,454). VSG would be a much better environment for women’s basketball games than Lawlor. And Nevada could play 50 percent of its games there and 50 percent at GSR Arena. But if I was on the city council that approved GSR Arena’s approval, I also would have wanted an agreed-upon lease between the GSR and Wolf Pack with a minimum number of women’s basketball games at the GSR Arena (let’s say four) was part of the deal. GSR owner Alex Meruelo said during the approval meeting that he loves women’s basketball and wants them to play games in the arena. I would have gotten that in writing. There’s a reason the team wasn’t included. But a combo between an upgraded VSG and the state-of-the-art GSR would be nice. And then Lawlor’s land gets turned into a new dorm or something. The indoor fieldhouse already has a home between Mackay Stadium and Wolf Pack Park.

I wrote more extensively about it in last week’s Monday Mailbag, but it should get approval from the Nevada Board of Regents soon (probably June’s meeting) and break ground shortly thereafter.

In April, I wrote a story titled, “Did Oregon State, Washington State build a Pac-12 they’re not good enough to compete in?” That ended up being the most-read story in NevadaSportsNet.com’s history with a lot of angry Beavers and Cougars. But the results are the results. Those two schools were mid-level (at best) while competing in the Mountain West and West Coast Conference this season. And that’s despite getting Pac-12 revenue this year, and having the advantage of Pac-12 revenue for multiple decades previously. Now that they money is going to be even, I don’t see Oregon State or Washington State being superpowers in the new Pac-12. They’re MW-level schools that didn’t want to join the MW and built a conference it’s not going to be super competitive in.

(Also, Washington State will be in the MW in baseball next season, too, so it’s not the Cougars’ one and only season in the league.)

Yes, this is the first season Nevada baseball and softball won a regular-season title in the same season. And the only way a Mountain West baseball team get into the NCAA Tournament is by winning this week’s conference tournament. No MW team has an at-large case. This will be a one-bid MW yet again (the last time MW baseball got two teams in the NCAA Tournament was 2014). The top RPI in the league this season is Fresno State at 124; Nevada is 152. You need a top-40 RPI to have any shot of an at-large bid out of a mid-major conference.

There’s been some recruiting adjustment as Nevada added NAIA (Kaleb Lowery) and junior-college (Vaughn Weems) players in addition to plenty of Division I transfers (Elijah Price, Tayshawn Comer, Corey Camper Jr., Joel Armotrading). The Wolf Pack had to add a full rotation of players this offseason with just one for-sure returning rotation player in Tyler Rolison, so it had to spread out its NIL money differently than years past when it had a base of returning talent. Price was a big-name addition who could have gone to a power conference. That was about it. I saw the Wolf Pack’s name attached to plenty of bigger names, but the NIL landscape continues to get richer at the top end, meaning Nevada can’t afford those players. The Wolf Pack landed most of the players it hosted on official visits out of the transfer portal, so it mostly got its guys.

I imagine Nevada has a much bigger NIL budget than James Madison, which is where former Wolf Pack player Justin McBride landed last week. Here’s a feature story on JMU’s approach to NIL from a year ago.

The Pac-12 could go the waiver route, but I think it will add Texas State as the eighth member at some point. It’s the only realistic option.

Nevada infielder Junhyuk Kwon sprained his calf running out a groundout in the first game of the Wolf Pack’s series against Fresno State three weeks ago. He hasn’t played since then, and it appeared as if he was trending toward playing this week but won’t be available for Nevada at the Mountain West Tournament. He leads Nevada in average (.346) with eight homers, 11 doubles and a 1.012 OPS, so that’s a big loss. He could be available if the Wolf Pack makes an NCAA Regional.

The Giants are responsible for the A’s moving to Las Vegas since they blocked the team’s move to San Jose using their territorial rights. The Giants only got those rights with the A’s blessing. Former San Jose mayor Sam Liccardo once said, “If it were not for the Giants’ vehement and combative opposition a decade ago, I have zero doubt — and I share this view with many people most deeply engaged in bringing an MLB team to San Jose — that the A’s would be playing in downtown San Jose today in a stadium built at no taxpayer expense. The Giants hired and paid attorneys to sue the city, they organized an opposition group, and most importantly, they pressured the commissioner to keep San Jose a minor-league baseball city.” Baseball would be better off with two teams in the Bay Area and an expansion franchise in Las Vegas (if a team must be in the city). The Giants stood in the way of that because the team didn’t want the A’s 50 miles away in San Jose.

Three biggest positive surprises (teams): 1. Giants, 2. Tigers, 3. Mariners (offense mostly)

Three biggest negative surprises (teams): 1. Orioles, 2. Rockies (no team should be this bad), 3. Red Sox

Three biggest positive surprises (players): 1. Cubs OF Pete Crow-Armstrong, 2. Royals LHP Kris Bubic, 3. Dodgers OF Andy Pages

Three biggest negative surprises (teams): 1. Rangers 2B Marcus Semien, 2. Dodgers OF Michael Conforto, 3. Blue Jays OF Anthony Santander

World Series prediction: Giants over Yankees (4-0); the Giants will not lose a game in the playoffs (a perfect 11-0)

A Canadian team winning the Stanley Cup would be the better story. That’s their national sport, and that hasn’t happened since the Montreal Canadiens won in 1993. All hopes are pinned on the Edmonton Oilers.

I’m pretty simple — mustard, ketchup and relish. I’ll do diced onions, if available. And I’m fine without ketchup, as I know people have issues with that. I’ll also go the Sonic the Hedgehog route with chili and cheese. But it’s a minimal gussing up for me. Nothing too crazy.

See y’all in two weeks! (No Mailbag next Monday as we’ll celebrate Memorial Day, potentially with hot dogs!)

Sports columnist Chris Murray provides insight on Northern Nevada sports. He writes a weekly Monday Mailbag despite it giving him a headache and it taking several hours to write. But people seem to like it, so he does it anyway. Contact him at crmurray@sbgtv.com or follow him on Twitter @ByChrisMurray.

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Boys U19 National Team Ends 2025 Pan American Cup Pool Play Unbeaten

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (July 10, 2025) – The U.S. Boys U19 National Team completed 2025 NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup pool play undefeated after a 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-19) victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday night in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  With the win, the U.S. (3-0) earned a bye in Friday’s quarterfinal round and will return […]

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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (July 10, 2025)The U.S. Boys U19 National Team completed 2025 NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup pool play undefeated after a 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-19) victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday night in Cuernavaca, Mexico. 

With the win, the U.S. (3-0) earned a bye in Friday’s quarterfinal round and will return to action in semifinal action on Saturday, July 12, at 5 p.m PT.

The U.S. dominated offensively with 42 kills to only 23 for Puerto Rico. The U.S. more than doubled Puerto Rico in blocks (9-4) and served one more ace (6-5).

Outside hitter Kale Cochran led all players with 14 points on 13 kills and one ace. Opposite Corbin Batista totaled 11 points on eight kills, two blocks and an ace.

Middle blocker Dante Cayaban was the only the other player to reach double digits with 10 points on eight kills and two aces. Middle blocker Isiah Powell led the team with three blocks, adding three kills for six points.

“I think we played a really good match. Puerto Rico came out strong and showed a lot of grit. They didn’t give up even being down two sets and played a strong third set,” Powell said. “We played a really strong, consistent game and showed a lot of energy throughout the match.”

The U.S. used a 7-2 early run to take a 9-5 lead in the opening set and the lead remained at least three for the remainder of the set. A key point was when the U.S. led 14-11 and scrambled to keep a rally going before a Novak block ended the play with a U.S. point. Cayaban recorded six kills and Batista also totaled six points with five kills and a block. The U.S. finished the set with a 17-9 advantage in kills.

The U.S. moved out to a 7-3 lead and was never seriously challenged in the second set. Two great digs by Batista on a rally that concluded with a Puerto Rico hitting error made it 14-7 and the lead soon grew to double digits, 18-8. Cochran ended the set with his fifth point on his fourth kill, this one off a set from Bayer. Hutnick and Batista both added three points on two kills and a block.

After setter Peter Chriss opened the third set with a block, Cayaban served for seven consecutive points, including an ace to make it 7-0. Powell’s third block made it 8-0 before Puerto Rico got on the board. Puerto Rico used a 5-1 run to pull within four points, 9-5, but that was as close as it would get the rest of the way. Cochran registered six kills and outside hitter Thomas Demps IV added five.

2025 Boys U19 National Team Pan American Cup Roster

Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, School, USAV Region)

2 Ben Bayer (L, 6-1, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., Sussex Hamilton HS, Badger)
3 Thomas Phung (L, 5-10 Garland, Texas, Harvard University, Southern)
6 Thomas Demps IV (OH, 6-4, Raleigh, N.C., Broughton HS, Carolina)
9 Dante Cayaban (MB, 6-7, Saint Cloud, Fla., Saint Cloud HS, Florida)
13 Logan Hutnick (OH, 6-6, Huntington Beach, Calif., Huntington Beach HS, Southern California)
15 Blake Fahlbusch (OH, 6-8, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Loyola HS of Los Angeles, Southern California)
17 Peter Chriss (S, 6-6, Menlo Park, Calif., Menlo Atherton HS, Northern California)
18 Brett Novak (S, 6-6, Lancaster, Calif., Paraclete HS, Southern California)
22 Kale Cochran (OH, 6-7, Roseville, Calif., Whitney HS, Northern California)
23 Corbin Batista (OPP, 6-7, St. George, Utah, Alta HS, Intermountain)
24 Isiah Powell (MB, 6-7, Silver Spring, Md., Springbrook HS, Chesapeake)
25 Brodie Heshler (MB, 6-7, Harrisburg, Pa., Central Dauphin HS, Keystone)

Coaches

Head Coach: Jonah Carson (MVVC)
Assistant Coach: Sean Byron (Marist College)
Assistant Coach: Spencer Wickens (Stanford)
Performance Analyst: AJ Ruttenberg (UCLA)
Team Doctor: Dr. Chris Cornell (Coduhi Clinic)
Team Lead: Brandon Oswald (NTDP)

Schedule

All times PDT

July 8: USA def. Venezuela, 3-1 (20-25, 25-18, 25-16, 32-30)
July 9: USA def. Canada, 3-0 (25-20, 27-25, 25-17)
July 10: USA def. Puerto Rico, 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-19)
July 11: Quarterfinals: Bye
July 12: Semifinals: USA vs. TBA, 5 p.m.
July 13: Medal matches



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2025 Daily News Fans Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year Poll

VIDEO: Action from Meet of Champions outdoor track and field, Day 1 The first day for the outdoor track Meet of Champions included two local champs: Westborough’s Daniel Velez (pole vault) and L-S’s Nico Begic (200). Who will break the tape? The 16 candidates for the 2025 Daily News Fans Boys Outdoor Track & Field […]

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Who will break the tape? The 16 candidates for the 2025 Daily News Fans Boys Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year know how to finish on top of the podium.

They are champions at the sate and national level, college commits on the track and in other sports and school record holders.

There are 14 schools represented on the list. Lincoln-Sudbury and Algonquin have multiple options.

Vote below:

The poll will remain open for a week until noon Friday, July 18.



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Trinity Catholic volleyball sending Lyla Huggins, Addyson Avery to SEC

Trinity Catholic volleyball players Lyla Huggins and Addyson Avery left Adidas Nationals with a top five finish and still weren’t satisfied. It’s natural for the FHSAA Class 2A state runners-up to feel that way. After all, competitiveness is something both will need when they join SEC powerhouse programs University of Florida and Mississippi State. Lyla […]

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Trinity Catholic volleyball players Lyla Huggins and Addyson Avery left Adidas Nationals with a top five finish and still weren’t satisfied.

It’s natural for the FHSAA Class 2A state runners-up to feel that way. After all, competitiveness is something both will need when they join SEC powerhouse programs University of Florida and Mississippi State.

Lyla Huggins, a lifelong Florida fan, wasted no time committing to the Gators after they were one of the first schools to reach out to her on June 15th, the first day colleges can contact rising juniors. To be exact, Huggins received an interest email from the Gators on June 15 at 12:05 a.m.

Receiving an email from Florida volleyball came after years of attending camps put on by the Gators. UF’s coaching staff, with no interest in a new libero at the time, spotted Huggins at an elite camp and changed their minds.

Two days after their first conversation, Huggins made the verbal commitment she had dreamed of since childhood.

“It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” Huggins said. “I’ve always been to camps there since I was little, and I’ve always thought about going there. And I don’t know if it was an easy decision for me. I just prayed to God, and I made the decision with my family, and it kind of just fell into my path.”

Meanwhile, first-team all-county middle blocker Addyson Avery fielded more than 30 emails on June 15th. Mississippi State won Avery’s commitment over her father’s alma mater Northwestern, California Berkeley, Houston, Clemson and others.

In being set to go to Starkville, Miss., Avery follows in the footsteps of former Celtics volleyball standout McKenna Yates, a current member of the Bulldogs. The camaraderie started with Yates the minute she committed. Avery even borrowed a Mississippi State warm-up jersey for her commitment pictures.

“It was really nice when I asked her (Coach Julie Darty Dennis) questions about the campus and the program,” Avery said. “It was all the things I was really looking for in a call, because I wasn’t being super picky about anything… They were talking about the program, the team chemistry, the training, conditioning and nutrition. It was all stuff that sounded really amazing.”

Avery and Huggins have the next two seasons to help Trinity Catholic and their club team, Ocala Power United, reach new heights before they join their college teams. As pivotal members of last year’s Final Four team, they both understand what it takes to get back to the biggest stage in Florida high school volleyball.

Then, after graduation, they’ll see each other from the other side of the net for the first time in their athletic careers.

“We were talking about we’ll see you on the other side,” Huggins said. “Obviously we’re going to compete, but we’ll still have that friendship there. I’m really excited. I’d be super fun against one of my friends. So can’t wait for that.”

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Meet Trinity Catholic middle Addyson Avery in 60 seconds

Addyson Avery makes her Star Banner debut with five quick questions right after her first district championship with Trinity Catholic volleyball

The rising juniors are the first players from a talented roster that Trinity Catholic head volleyball coach Jeff Reavis projects to have at least seven future college players. And it’s that kind of expectation that has earned the Celtics a reputation as one of the best programs in the FHSAA’s 2A classification.

“I’d like to say that those expectations don’t change. I mean, from year to year, as you know, we have we’ve been talented, Reavis said. “To have a team that’s nationally ranked every year from the City of Ocala, you know, is pretty incredible. Top five, Top 10 in the state, regardless of class, you know, that’s something that’s an expectation that the kids understand and it doesn’t change.”



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Meet syracuse.com’s 2025 All-CNY large school boys outdoor track and field team

Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2025 All-Central New York large school boys outdoor track and field team features 20 athletes chosen by syracuse.com reporters. Fayetteville-Manlius’ Nikita Domashenko was named the large school boys outdoor track and field athlete of the year at syracuse.com’s 2025 All-Central New York High School Sports Awards at Liverpool High School. The […]

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Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2025 All-Central New York large school boys outdoor track and field team features 20 athletes chosen by syracuse.com reporters.

Fayetteville-Manlius’ Nikita Domashenko was named the large school boys outdoor track and field athlete of the year at syracuse.com’s 2025 All-Central New York High School Sports Awards at Liverpool High School.

The other finalists were Camron Ingram of Cicero-North Syracuse, Alexios Acevedo of Henninger and Jacob Marji of Oneida.

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Hartpence, Noble Represent St. John Fisher In Brazil

Women’s Volleyball | 7/10/2025 4:58:00 PM Story Links PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Women’s volleyball standouts Kiera Hartpence and Kaylene Noble recently represented St. John Fisher University on the international stage, competing on a United States Division III National Team that traveled to Brazil.  The pair of Cardinals, who earned spots on the team […]

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Women’s Volleyball | 7/10/2025 4:58:00 PM

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Women’s volleyball standouts Kiera Hartpence and Kaylene Noble recently represented St. John Fisher University on the international stage, competing on a United States Division III National Team that traveled to Brazil. 

The pair of Cardinals, who earned spots on the team for their impressive performances throughout their collegiate careers, played in four matches during the trip. Their team included players from Salisbury University, Christopher Newport, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and other Division III programs. 

“My experience in Brazil is something I will never forget. I was honored to be asked for such an amazing opportunity to be a part of the DIII USA National Team. I met so many successful athletes and made great connections with them,” Hartpence, a rising senior libero, said. “Playing on the court was so much fun and was a very high level of volleyball. I was able to meet other volleyball players in Brazil, trade my old jerseys and t-shirts, and learned about Brazilian culture, which was a great learning opportunity. This experience was unforgettable, and I am so glad I got to be a part of it.”

“Playing on the USA DIII National Team in Brazil was an amazing opportunity with a high level of play, an amazing group of girls and memories to last a lifetime,” Noble, a rising junior outside hitter, said. “Our team had great chemistry on and off the court, but we also made great relationships with the girls on the opposing teams, no matter if we won or lost. “It was such a rewarding experience, and it was so much fun to represent our country while playing against such good competition with some of the best DIII players in the nation.”

The trip, organized by USA Sports Tours and Events, provided selected student-athletes with a comprehensive international experience, immersing them in competition, Brazilian culture, social outreach and team bonding. Hartpence and Noble’s team went 3-1 in its matches against Brazilian volleyball clubs Louveira, Centro Olympico, Ripper Volei and Marina Barra Clube. 

Off the court, Hartpence and Noble enjoyed visiting various tourist attractions in the country, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and the Lapa Steps in Rio de Janeiro. They also visited several markets and beaches. 

Hartpence, the 2023 Empire 8 Conference Libero of the Year, has amassed 1,213 career digs, 294 assists and 117 service aces through her first three collegiate seasons. The three-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District nominee studies management. 

One of the top offensive threats in the region, Noble, the E8 Rookie and Player of the Year as a freshman in 2023, slammed nearly 700 kills in her first two seasons as a Cardinal. The nursing major earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors for the first time in her collegiate career in 2024. 

The Cardinals won their fifth Empire 8 Conference title under head coach Kelly Greapentrog in 2024. They made the program’s sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament and ended the season 21-9 overall. 



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Game on: Beach Volleyball Lands in Canary Wharf – 10.07.25

Canary Wharf’s Union Square is now home to a full-sized beach volleyball court, live for one month Hosted by charity Action for Kids (AFK), the court offers a special summer experience, while raising funds to support young people with disabilities Beach Volleyball will run from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 10th August  Beach volleyball is […]

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  • Canary Wharf’s Union Square is now home to a full-sized beach volleyball court, live for one month
  • Hosted by charity Action for Kids (AFK), the court offers a special summer experience, while raising funds to support young people with disabilities
  • Beach Volleyball will run from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 10th August

 Beach volleyball is back at Canary Wharf this summer, hosted by leading child disability charity AFK, transforming Union Square into a sandy oasis. Featuring a full-sized beach volleyball court and a sitting court, adapted for those with physical impairments, available on select dates. This summer experience brings sport, sunshine and community spirit right into the middle of the city.  

Open to all from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 10th August, people can take part in pay-to-play sessions where they can sharpen their skills or try a brand-new sport while supporting a vital cause for young people with disabilities. Courts can be booked for £15pp with a minimum of four players per court. 

Those working in and around the neighbourhood can take full advantage of the courts with private hire ‘Beach and Brunch’ and ‘Beach and Late Lunch’ team building sessions in partnership with family run bakery Signorelli. For those looking to break up the workday or simply boost team morale, these sessions offer a fun, energising and tasty way for colleagues to connect outside the office – no volleyball experience required.  

This year will also see the return of the Beach Volleyball Championships on Thursday 31st July, where corporate teams from across the Wharf will compete for the prestigious title of Canary Wharf Champions. 

Canary Wharf is packed with places to explore and boasts a full programme of summer activities. Until the end of October, Open Water Swimming returns to the crystal clear waters of Eden Dock, the Wharf’s waterside haven. New to the neighbourhood this summer is stand-up paddleboarding and origami kayaking with sessions also hosted in the waters of Eden Dock – giving paddlers the perfect opportunity to admire the floating forests and aquatic habitats in full bloom. 

A blockbuster season awaits in Canary Wharf’s Canada Square Park as it has again transformed into a free to attend open air cinema. It’s Summer Screens are showing a huge range of films, hosting a Mario Kart Championship and featuring live broadcasts of the season’s unmissable sporting events until Saturday 27th September.  

Culture lovers can look forward to a packed Alfresco Arts schedule of theatre performances, family activities and pop-up lunchtime classical music concerts. Meanwhile the Wharf’s innovative Short Story Stations offer a quick read to relax, with free one, three and five minute long stories. 

Visitors can also enjoy free activities across the Wharf like a 9-hole minigolf courseby Craig & Karl, colourful ping pong tables, the ‘Raise Your Art Rate’art trail, and 16.5 acres of open spaces perfect for wandering, relaxing and soaking up the sun. 

Those looking to refuel after a busy day of activities have plenty of choice with over 80 cafes, bars and restaurants. These include the Wharf’s latest new restaurant, Barbarella – Big Mamma Group’s 70s-style hotspot, conveniently located right next to Eden Dock. Other nearby spots include British nose-to-tail dining by the team behind Fallow at Roe, plant-based restaurant mallow, and Kricket for dishes inspired by the flavours of India. 

Canary Wharf’s Action for Kids Beach Volleyball is now open until Sunday 10th August. For more information and to book a court, visit  

https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/afk-beach-volleyball-25/ 

Notes to Editors

About Canary Wharf Group (‘CWG’)

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) is the developer of the largest urban regeneration project in Europe. CWG develops, manages and currently owns interests in approximately 9 million square feet of mixed-use space and over 1,100 Build to Rent apartments. Canary Wharf’s retail offering is ranked the UK’s number one shopping destination by Green Street.  

CWG is committed to turning sustainability ambition into impactful action. Examples include purchasing 100% electricity from renewable sources since 2012, our partnership with the Eden Project creating a place for nature and people and working to deliver our Science-Based Targets.

CWG has created a 24/7 city where people can live, work and thrive and enjoy all the benefits that Canary Wharf provides: great transport links, access to 16.5 acres of green spaces and waterside living; and a wide range of amenities including an award-winning arts and events programme. Canary Wharf’s retail and leisure offer includes over 80 bars, cafes and restaurants and more than 320 shops, including 8 grocery stores, pharmacies and health clubs all within 15 minutes’ walk. CWG recorded its highest annual footfall of more than 72 million to its retail malls in 2024. 

Website: www.canarywharf.com  www.group.canarywharf.com

LinkedIn: @CanaryWharfGroup 

Instagram: @canarywharflondon

X: @CanaryWharfGrp @Level39CW

About Action for Kids (AFK): 

AFK’s mission is to create opportunities for children and young people who are disabled or neurodiverse, to increase their independence, reach their individual potential and remove the barriers they face. We focus on a young person’s potential and their aspirations, not the obstacles they encounter. Everyone deserves to do the things they love and dream about their future – being disabled or neurodivergent is just part of what makes you, YOU! Through specialised mobility equipment and personalised employment support, young people can access the world around them, build confidence, and fulfil their potential.  

 





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