In its second overseas outing the Bermuda Volleyball Association’s Junior National Program will be sending five teams to compete in the Mizuno Boston Volleyball Festival over March 6th through March 8th under the team names Paradise Hitters (Girls: U12, U15, U16 & U18) and Big Wave Riders (Boys: U18).
This is a high level, three-day tournament with over 750 teams currently registered, taking place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
This tournament marks a number of noteworthy achievements for the junior program. One of the main goals of the junior program is to develop a large foundation of volleyball players that will sustain the sport in Bermuda for years to come and this tournament is a step in that direction. Five teams will be attending this tournament, composed of four girls’ teams and one boys’ team which represents the most number of volleyball teams sent to an overseas tournament at one time.
The Paradise Hitters U12 represent the youngest volleyball team sent to compete in an overseas tournament, where the youngest player is just nine years old. The total travelling group will be approximately 80 people, of which 47 will be participating players at an average age of 14/15 years old.
It was not an easy road to be selected to one of these traveling teams so congratulations to those who have made one of these teams and to everyone else who have put in so much dedication and commitment. All players have been training two to three times a week since September and everyone is very excited for their second major outing. Additionally, all teams have been playing in the Burrows & Lightbourn Truly Winter League honing their skills and strategy to give them the best opportunity to do well over the weekend’s matches.
Giving these young athletes the opportunity to compete overseas is extremely valuable and this tournament provides them with an opportunity to gain experience above and beyond what is available in Bermuda.
|
