For children wanting to learn the art and the fundamentals of the game, it can turn into a costly and time-consuming task with camps costing a small fortune to have the one-on-one instruction that new learners need.
Thanks to a collaboration between Valpo Parks, Valparaiso University and the Valparaiso YMCA, this high-cost entry is now becoming a thing of the past.
"This is a 3-way partnership that has allowed VU Volleyball players to come in for three days a week and work one on one with kids wanting to learn how to play the game," says Valpo Parks Recreation Superintendent Phil Blasko. "We've been doing this for 3 years with 200 girls from 1st through 8th grade."
The program began as an attempt for Valpo Parks to bring youth volleyball to Valparaiso. Blasko reached out to VU Head Volleyball Coach Carin Avery to initially referee each match, but Avery felt that more could have been done on her behalf.
"I was very excited when Phil asked if we would possibly do something with the start of the first ever volleyball program in Valpo because it was a first in town and I knew how much interest we would get," says Avery. "I thought it would be great for the community and for our young ladies to be able to work with them at practice and get involved a little more with the community. "
Avery, who is in charge of picking players to go each night and teach the young students, allows the players in charge of the entirety of the practices from the techniques being taught to the methods being used to teach the students.
"Without her, we couldn't have this opportunity we have today," says Blasko. "There are few if any sports programs that bring in Divison One athletes who know the game inside and out to help teach fundamentals."
Both athletes and students utilize the Valparaiso Family YMCA as an area to practice, using equipment and space to house a large number of girls practicing.
"We use specialty balls for younger kids that are lighter and larger to use so they can actually hit the balls over the net," says Blasko. "As the girls get older, we let them use smaller balls that eventually match up to a standard volleyball. We don't keep score, it's not competitive, its all for fun and learning."
"This is definitely a unique and extremely rare circumstance and we are very thankful to have it," says Valparaiso Family YMCA Sports Director Cody Bischoff. "It's an incredible resource and everyone participates at a higher level. Before we only had parent volunteers, but this allows for VU players to give back and raise visibility for their program."
While it may appear to be counterproductive for two non-profit, family based organizations to work together rather than do their own thing, both Blasko and Bischoff see it as beneficial to not only their organizations but the rest of the community as well.
"I think it says a lot for Valpo Parks and the YMCA to show that we can work together and that we don't have to compete but instead, work together to make better opportunities for the community," says Blasko.
"Anytime we can create a partnership like this, it's a way to show that we care about this event and the community as a whole. Whether it's women's basketball or track and field, we cannot do these on our own, partnerships are the key," says Bischoff
For the athletes and students involved, it's a fun opportunity to give back and give opportunities to future players who like the all-star players, started out as eager youngsters, learning the game from the ground level and developing a love for it as they continue to develop.
"Our hope was to mold future players and help the community love of volleyball grow and for our players to learn the skills to be good teachers and good mentors," says Avery.
"It's all about learning and all about fun," says Blasko. "Come smiling, leave smiling, that is always our goal."
To find out more about the Youth Volleyball Program, please click here.