When Kid Camaya moved to Melbourne in 2016, he didn’t expect to become a key figure in Victoria’s volleyball scene. A native of Pampanga in the Philippines, Coach Kid began playing volleyball at the age of 8, falling in love with the sport’s mix of connection and competition. Today, he’s not only the president of Volley Friends United Melbourne (VFUM)—one of Victoria’s largest volleyball clubs—but also a coach in the Victorian State Program, shaping the next generation of athletes.
Coach Kid coaches four teams in the Victorian Volleyball League, including State League One Men and Women, U17 Boys Division 1 and U19 Boys Premier. At the state level, he serves as Head Coach of the U16 Boys Victoria White team. But beyond titles and teams, his focus is clear: build people first.
“My philosophy is simple: build relationships first,” he shares in an interview with The Philippine Times. “As a Filipino, I naturally lead with care and connection. I believe in supporting the whole athlete, not just their skills, but their mindset, wellbeing and growth.” His Filipino roots influence not only his approach, but his values: discipline, respect, intention and fun. At the heart of it all is kapwa (the Filipino value of shared humanity) that shapes the inclusive, welcoming team cultures he strives to create.
For Coach Kid, coaching Filipino-Australian athletes is especially meaningful. “We may not always have the tallest players, but we bring versatility, adaptability and a team-first mentality,” he says. Often multi-skilled and driven, always finding ways to contribute—these are how Coach Kid describes our athletes. Still, he acknowledges that Filipino talent in Australian volleyball is yet to receive broad recognition. “We’re making progress, but there’s still more to be done,” he says, stressing the need for early access, support and more affordable structures.
At VFUM, affectionately known as the “123 Happy!” club, Coach Kid has led the evolution from social group to a competitive hub. “My vision is to make VFUM a true home for athletes,” he explains, “where they receive the training, support and sense of family they need to thrive.” That vision took shape in 2022 when VFUM launched its Junior Development Program in Altona. Now, it serves as a talent pipeline for state league teams, and many of its athletes have gone on to represent Victoria.
The program’s impact has already been recognised: VFUM received the Most Outstanding Juniors Program award, and Coach Kid himself was honoured with the Excellence in Coaching Award. But his dream extends further: “I hope the program continues long after me, shaping great athletes and even better humans.”
Despite his success, challenges persist. Space and cost remain major barriers to growth in the sport, particularly for culturally diverse communities. “There’s a huge appetite for volleyball,” he says, “but without enough facilities or funding, it limits how much we can grow.” Nevertheless, Coach Kid remains hopeful. He points to Melbourne’s multiculturalism and values of fairness and inclusion as key enablers. His Filipino resilience and ability to build strong relationships have carried him through.
One of his proudest coaching moments came recently when he led the U18 VIC Boys Blue team to a bronze medal at the 2024 Australian Youth Volleyball Championships—the first medal for that age group in six years. “It was validation that all the hours, effort and heart I put into this work matter,” he says. “It reminded me why I coach,” he adds to the sentiment of having his first national medal.
Coach Kid believes in instilling that same mindset in his players. “Progress often feels invisible. What matters is showing up with consistency, even when it’s hard,” he says. “I always encourage my athletes to trust the process and that their moment will come.” His advice for young Filipino-Australians and their families? Embrace your roots! “Support your kids by nurturing both their love for the sport and the values we carry as Filipinos,” he advises parents and guardians. ”Remind them that their cultural identity is a strength, and that their kindness, work ethic and kapwa mindset are their superpowers.”
Above all, he hopes more Filipino athletes, clubs and coaches will be featured in community media. “There’s so much happening in our volleyball scene that deserves to be seen,” he says. “Promoting our stories will inspire others to get involved… and show how powerful, inclusive and joyful this sport truly is.”
