Guide to boys volleyball for 2010-2011

[Tracy Dudley]

From a colleague of mine who also has the #1 priority to developing volleyball in Colorado:

 

2010-2011 Guide to Colorado Boys Club Volleyball
This is an exciting time for boys volleyball in Colorado.  There has never been more interest and participation in boys volleyball and local clubs are responding to offer great opportunities for boys along the front range.  Last year, boys ranging in age from 10 to 18 participated in club volleyball in Colorado and five boys volleyball teams participated in the USA Volleyball Boys Junior Nationals in Austin,TX.  From that group, we had Colorado representation in both Open and Club division and Front Range Volleyball Club's 14 Boys won took home the Rocky Mountain Region's first Junior Nationals Medal!

Here are clubs and contacts that are advertising club ball for boys this season:

Club 303 (Centennial Airport Area)
Club 303 fielded a 13 and under team last year and plans to field a 14 and under team this year. Headquartered out of Inverness Sports Complex.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Englewood-CO/303-Volleyball-Club/125126026415
Contact Erik Rhee: 720-530-5940

Front Range Volleyball (Centennial Airport Area)
Front Range is the largest and most successful boys club in the region.  In 2009-2010 they fielded four competitive teams,  earned open division bid, earn a Junior National medal and fifteen of their boys were selected to the USA Volleyball High Performance Olympic pipeline teams.  This year Front Range looks to expand and has added two new coaches with Men's Division I college play/coaching experience.
http://www.frvbc.com
contact: 303-770-9435
br...@frvbc.com

Open Gym/Tryouts for 18s and 17s scheduled for Sept 11, 12 and 19th from 6-8P at The Sports Complex at Inverness.  Boys are encouraged to attend all three.  Cost is $10. [directions]

Open Gym/Tryouts for 16s and 15s scheduled for Sept 11, 12 and 19th from 4-6P at The Sports Complex at Inverness.  Boys are encouraged to attend all three.  Cost is $10.  [directions]

Open Gyms for 14 and under scheduled for 9/4 from 4:30P-6:00P at The Sports Complex at Inverness.  Also, on 9/25 an open gym is scheduled from 6-8:30P at The Sports Complex at Inverness. Cost is $10  [directions]

Norco Volleyball Club (Ft. Collins)
http://www.norcovolleyball.com
970-667-5005
Word has it that Norco may be trying to start a program for the boys up north in the Ft. Collins area. Contact Norco for more information.

Pikes Peak Volleyball Club (Colo Springs)
http://www.pikespeakvolleyball.com/
email: pikes...@gmail.com
Pikes Peak fielded a 14U team last year and played in most of the regions Power tournaments.  The web site has not yet been updated for this year but please contact Pikes Peak VBC especially those of you from down South (Colorado Springs).

Juggernaut Volleyball Club (Wheat Ridge)
http://www.juggernautvolleyball.com/
email: in...@rmac.com
Juggernaut Volleyball Club is looking to add boys volleyball this year and has run clinics including boys.  They are conducting tryouts in late September.  See the Juggernaut web site for more information.

Atlas Volleyball (Highlands Ranch)
Web site: unknown
email: ty.e...@insightbb.com
According to an email we have received, this volleyball Club promotes itself as 'carrying on the tradition of Flatout Volleyball Club' (for boys) that operated until last season and is believed to be forming in the Highlands Ranch area. 

Facts and advice for boys and parents of boys new to club volleyball:
1) Is club right for you?  Club volleyball players are serious about their sport and train and play hard.  Boys clubs generally cater to multi-sport athletes but also expect a commitment to the team.  You need to clearly define your goals and decide if you are looking for the club experience with its commitment level (varies by club) or whether you are looking for something less rigid.  Alternatives to club include volleyball camps, clinics, rec-center volleyball, AYL leagues, outdoor leagues, high-school and middle school programs.  One such program offering programs that require less commitment level can be found at The Sports Complex at Inverness.
2) Look at the options: Clubs hold open gyms prior to their tryouts to allow boys to come and meet the coaches and players to see if the club is a good fit.  If you are new to club volleyball, you should attend the open gyms of several clubs before choosing.
3) Understand the club's focus: Some clubs focus on competitive play and others focus on player development.  Understand your goals and then match those to the club to see if there is a correct fit for your son.
4) Don't be pressured to 'commit today' to a club.  The bottom line is that boys clubs often need more boys and while a club might ask you sign a commitment letter at their tryouts, you do have time before the actual club season begins check out all of the clubs.  Be firm and do what is right for you and your son.
5) Know the cost:  Some clubs show cost for an entire season and other clubs break-up their season into segments or divide costs into several 'mandatory' segments making it more difficult to understand what you are actually committing to pay.  It is important when comparing costs to understand the duration of the clubs 'season' so that you can properly compare costs.  For example, some clubs have one fee for the entire season from Fall to Junior Nationals and other split their year into several seasons.   Also understand what is included and what is not included in the club fee.
6) Don't forget travel:  Some clubs travel to out of state tournaments and depending on the location,length of competition, and size of the team, the costs can run from several hundred to around a thousand dollars per event.  Some teams commit to a fixed number of events at the beginning of the year and others 'play it by ear'.  If you are on a budget, you should have a good understanding of what your maximum exposure for travel costs could be.
7) Understand claims and comparisons:  When reading literature where one club contrasts their program, record, etc with that of another, verify the claims.  For example, Club A could claim that they have a better record than Club B but neglect to mention that Club A plays lower division while club B plays in open division.
8) Talk to the parents:  No club is perfect. Parents will often give you a more objective assessment of the pros and cons of a particular club.  Speak with several parents and be sure to talk to parents that have a son of similar skill and experience level.
9) Observe the open gym:  From the open gyms, you can learn a lot about a club.  Look at how the coaches engage the parents and new players.  Look at how the experienced boys welcome, interact and help the new players.
10) Apply a dose of common sense.  How long has this club been around?  What is their track record?  Are they stable? Will they be around for years to come (important if your son is younger) so that you can grow with the program.
11) Some questions to answer.  Commitment level? Total cost? Travel plans? Other 'mandatory' costs not covered in base cost? Estimated travel costs? Coaching? Clinics?  Size of program? Past success? Future viability?

Open Gyms and Tryouts (as of 9/3/2010)
Club 303 Boys: Tryout dates unknown.  See website
Front Range Volleyball Club: Open Gym/Tryouts Sept 11, 12 and 19th for high school, Open gym Sept 9 and 25th for middle school.
Pikes Peak Volleyball: See website for more details
Juggernaut Volleyball Club: Tryouts in late September, see website for more details
Norco Volleyball Club: Status of boys team unknown. Status of tryouts unknown, please contact Norco for more information
Atlas Volleyball (formerly Flatout VBC): See email contact above: Status of tryouts unknown

Other contact information related to Boys Volleyball in Colorado:

USA Volleyball Headquarters
715 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: 719-228-6800
Fax: 719-228-6899
http://www.usavolleyball.org/content/index/2983

Rocky Mountain Region USA Volleyball
Junior Boys Rep
Douglas Miller
303.530.7747
jrboysrepr...@rmrvolleyball.org 

Colorado Boys High School Volleyball Association
AJ Joseph, President
jose...@aol.com