2024 Update
Downball Australia is gearing up for an action-packed 2024, aiming to elevate the game of Downball to new heights across the country. Founded by a group of Downball enthusiasts in 2020, Downball Australia has become the nation's first official downball league, celebrating a sport known for its inclusivity, enthusiasm, and respect. The league is dedicated to spreading the joy and competitive spirit of Downball to players of all ages and skill levels, emphasizing that Downball is a game for everyone.
In 2024, Downball Australia plans to expand its outreach by running more school workshops, starting weekly competitions in both metropolitan and rural areas, and hosting a larger-than-ever Victorian Primary School tournament in Term 3. These initiatives are designed to engage more students with the game, teaching them the rules, skills, and sportsmanship involved in Downball. The league's commitment to education and community engagement is evident through its specialized Downball School Workshops, which have been a hit across various regions, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Albury/Wodonga, Traralgon, Geelong, and Shepparton.
Downball Australia's vision for 2024 includes the introduction of official Downball tournaments with trained referees, providing a structured and competitive environment for players to showcase their skills. This approach aims to elevate Downball from a casual schoolyard game to a recognized sport with formal competitions, emphasizing its potential as the greatest sport on Earth.
Downball Australia's efforts to promote Downball across the country align with its core values of inclusiveness, enthusiasm, and respect, making it a welcoming community for all Downball enthusiasts. Whether you're a student eager to learn the game, a teacher interested in incorporating Downball into your curriculum, or a fan looking to support the sport, Downball Australia invites everyone to be part of its growing community in 2024 and beyond.
Victorian Schools Downball Tournament 2023
A Downball Spectacle: Reliving the Tournament Moments!
The echoes of cheers, the rhythm of bouncing balls, and the unyielding spirit of competition - this year's Downball tournament was an unparalleled display of skill and sportsmanship. Every serve, rally, and game-deciding point showcased the brilliance of Downball and the talent of our incredible participants.
However, behind every great event lies the strength of its supporters. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to AMSLAN for their unwavering commitment. A big salute to VicHealth for championing health and sport. Kudos to Sportsdash not just for their generous support, but also for meticulously documenting every game's results. Cheers to Eastside Skoda and Mitsubishi for driving our ambitions forward. And a special nod to Spalding, the brand that became the heartbeat of every match with its iconic game ball.
Thank you to everyone who made this event an unforgettable experience. We can't wait to see you all next time for even more Downball thrills!
The Basque Championship of Downball - all the way from Northern Spain!
On the 27th of May, the Basque Association of Beach Tennis and Minority Sports organised the Basque Championship of Downball after being heavily intrigued by the Australian game.
After consulting with the Downball Australia team, they decided on a similar format to many of our unofficial tournaments. After lots of playing, Egoitz Campo defeated Mikel Maletxeberria in the Grand Final.
In September, they will be organising a Doubles Downball Tournament and we can’t wait for that!
Downball Merch
You’ve been waiting a long time for this and finally it’s here!
Shop your favourite shirts, polos, jumpers and more!
Look your best on the court…
Yarra Division Downball Tournament
Woori Yallock Primary. Moroolbark Grammar. Warburton Primary. Wesburn Primary.
A day to remember! Hopefully more events like these begin to pop up around Australia!
Behind the News: Downball League
Spoiler Alert: we were on Behind the News!
Want to know more about the school project that kicked off Downball Australia?
Watch here.
How a 16-year-old created a Downball League in his community: ABC Collaboration
It was once again a great honour to work with the ABC. Watch and learn how Noah started Downball Australia!
An inspiring story for many school students…
DOWNBALL AUSTRALIA’S OFFICIAL INAUGURAL TOURNAMENT
400+ people in the building. 192 participants. 4 winners. 1 things in common.
Check out the grand final highlights here…
Bimbadeen Heights Primary School
One last workshop before our massive June tournament!
You were awesome Bimbadeen, we hope to be back soon.
freezing.
It was the coldest day of the year so far!
Check out all the highlights from Knox Gardens as we continued our workshop crusade through Term 2…
Maybe we’ve found our next tournament champion?
Back-2-Back
After an incursion in Week 1, Downball Australia was at it again in Week 2, this time at Mullum Primary School.
Was great to be back at Mullum for the second year in a row…
Term 2 is a go!
On the 26th and 28th of April, Downball Australia got into Victoria Road Primary School.
The kids had loads of fun and it was a great way to start the term!
Our first incursion of 2022
On the 24th of February, we taught Grades 3-6, the wonders of Downball - including the rules and strategy for beginners and shot technique improvement for those more experienced.
We had a great time and look forward to more events this year!
November Meet-Up (Sponsored by Grill’d)
A great day was had by all at our best Downball event yet!
Bring your family along to our meet-ups in 2022 to help share the love of Downball and meet other fanatics…
Downball Australia’s Rivals Challenge
In our most ambitious project yet, we gathered 10 players and asked them to do battle against their families and friends to prove who was best!
Casted by Justin, we had a lot of fun and think you will too. Check out all the action in our documentary style video from across the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne...
This video featured big names including Spin Skimmer, the CEO of Downball Australia and Angus.
Drop a sub while you’re there too!
Downball is still the recess king: Our collaboration with the ABC
Whether you know it as Downball, Handball or something else, kids have been playing this game all over the country for generations.
These days, school kids use a high-bounce rubber ball, which is a break from the tatty tennis ball tradition, and they say it adds some much-needed speed to the game.
That we don’t know where Downball came from (or whether it was invented by a kid) makes this sport all the more magical.
The Downball Grand Slam
In this video, 6 contestants tested out Grounded Pebble, the Beach and Wooden Varnish and hoped to bring their form from more orthodox Downball surfaces to the unreliability of the Grand Slam format.
Who came out victorious? Watch and see…
Sam and Nathan's Downball Price Comparison!
This week, Sam and Nathan went to Eastland and tested the prices of Downballs at 8 different stores.
What was their favourite store? Which company offers the best prices?
Check out what they found...