Introducing the Amherstburg Volleyball Association

There is a new sport organization in town.

Recently, club president Daniel Dennis announced the creation of the Amherstburg Volleyball Association (AVA).

“Volleyball is a sport a lot of kids love but as much as they enjoy it, it’s hard to get into,” said Dennis, an Amherstburg resident.

The aim of the AVA is to develop young players who have had little or no exposure to the game by providing the basics in a house league format.

“We want to have a house league where players can come in and compete for fun.”

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 3 and running until Nov. 28, rules will be adapted for the younger U8 group.

Dennis explained that he has adopted a concept from the Netherlands where the younger players will use a four-foot-high net instead of a regulation seven-foot high which means right from the start they will be able to hit the ball over the net.

“The net is at a height where they can hit the ball over it.”

Besides a lower net, Dennis says the younger groups will start out on a court a quarter the size of regulation and play three-on-three. Also, they will play with a lighter ball with softer texture.

Beginning in October, the U8 and U10 divisions will play at Amherstburg Public School while the U12 and U15 will be at North Star High School.

“The response has been good. The main question asked is what if my child hasn’t played before? We tell them this is entry level.”

Cost to join the AMA is $95.

“We are trying to make this as non-profitable as we can. We want everyone to be able to afford it and we are working on sponsorship.”

Anyone who wants more information can go to the AVA website at amherstburgvolleyball.com

Amherstburg has a reputation of developing outstanding talent in this sport as General Amherst/North Star high school coaches Jeff Miller and Mary Ewer made 13 appearances with senior girls’ teams to the provincial championships. They won three gold and nine medals total.

Some top players locally include Geneva Huisman, Afften and Lauren Essenpreis, Lillian Merezak and Emery Lucier.

Introducing the Amherstburg Volleyball Association

By Fred Groves