As we look back on the past year, we’re filled with optimism and excitement for the continued growth and success of our sport. The progress achieved at both the grassroots and elite levels reflects the dedication and hard work of every member, not just within the Junior Volleyball Association, but across the entire volleyball community. The JVA experienced a remarkable 15% increase in membership, with notable expansion in the Atlantic and West Coast regions. This growth not only reflects the rising popularity of volleyball, but also the trust and value that clubs and athletes place in the JVA’s commitment to developing the sport at every level. JVA stands ready to continue to support the junior volleyball world through its commitment to education, advocacy and operating world class events.
Let’s look at the impact of JVA in 2024:
Grant Program
In the second year of the JVA Grant Program, JVA awarded $49,250 to ten volleyball clubs that created a program or service that meets JVA’s mission and can be used as a model for other clubs to replicate all over the country. The goal of the Grant Program is to promote the growth and accessibility of youth and junior volleyball by financially supporting JVA members in their efforts to provide new programs and services in their community. Through an application process in June, the JVA identified 10 clubs.
In August of 2019 Queen City Volleyball Academy (Charlotte, NC) formed as a nonprofit organization with the goal of making the game of volleyball more widely accessible to young athletes by breaking through systemic barriers that have historically limited full community participation in the game. The club began with a small team of passionate coaches and local professionals who were committed to providing a high-level training experience with holistic athletic development at the core of everything. Two years ago, QCVA started a community program targeting underserved middle school students in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year, with the JVA Grant, the program expanded to three low-income areas: Eastway/Central Charlotte, West Charlotte/Airport, and Southwest Charlotte.
“I just want to express my gratitude for the grant from the JVA. We are a very small program and run a very lean budget, so having these funds allowed us to pay our coaches a competitive rate, rent the gym, create signage, and provide this opportunity to so many young people. It is just really awesome that this grant exists and we are so…
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