Youth across Central Alberta with a passion for volleyball have a new means of honing their skills this summer via 'grass volleyball'.
"Starting with volleyball, we saw a need for more of it in the area," said Matthew Armstong, co-founder of the Central Alberta Sports Club (CASC) along with Frankie Tam.
The organization has spearheaded local grass volleyball along with other sporting opportunities for youth across the region since forming last year.
"We've had a pretty successful indoor season, but then specifically for grass volleyball - this is something new to the area," Armstrong explained, adding there is a bit of beach volleyball in the region, but it's fairly minimal.
"Grass and beach volleyball are both really big in other parts of Canada, all over the United States and the world. But it's something that was missing here. It's a good way to keep playing volleyball in the summer and to be outdoors," he said, adding beach volleyball can also prove a bit difficult for lower levels.
"Grass volleyball is a bit more 'approachable', but it still works for high-level players, too. It's an all-around type of game. It also allows us to do big, really fun tournaments without having 10 or 12 indoor courts, which are difficult to find. You have to use multiple venues.
"With this, you can rent a soccer field and get it going," he said, adding it all helps to make things more affordable, too.
"In the field, it's definitely more of a reasonable price."
Looking ahead, an additional try-out for grass volleyball is set for May 30 at the Lacombe Junior-Senior High School from 6 to 7 p.m. (for ages eight to 12); and from 7:30 to 9 p.m. (for ages 13 to 17).
There are also drop-in dates for anyone who would like to come and play. There is a $10 fee.
These are perfect times for those new to grass volleyball to check it out, or for those who are already registered to come out and play.
These run May 18 at Sylvan Lake (Ryder's Field next to the Lady of the Rosary School) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for Grades 5-7, and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. for Grades eight to 11.
Another drop-in is set for May 21 at the Lacombe Junior-Senior High School from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Grades 5 to 7) and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Grades eight to 11).
Drop-in times in Red Deer run at West Park Middle School from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (Grades 5 to 7) and from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Grades eight to 11).
Meanwhile, for the coming grass volleyball season, there will be weekly training and tournaments throughout Central Alberta.
Each tournament will be hosted in a different location, with the teams having the chance to win prizes and improve their rankings. Each athlete will also have the opportunity to train weekly in their own community, noted the CASC website.
According to the organization's website, "At Central Alberta Sports Club (CASC), we aim to create an inclusive, community-centered environment where young athletes are empowered to thrive across multiple sports. Our vision is to make sports accessible, challenging, and rewarding for youth of all backgrounds and abilities.
Armstrong added that the club's flexibility and accessibility are among its core strengths - it offers a range of ways to get involved, including catering to families with kids who want to take part in a number of sports.
Both men also emphasized how it's not just all about building athletic skill.
The organization is committed to teaching the importance of mental health, and self-care, and with laying the foundation for a healthy lifestyle beyond competitive sports.
Armstrong added that working on the mental strengthening side of things is key to helping players build skills that are life-long, too.
"You can really tell which young adults have been involved with sports. Throughout any game or season, you experience highs and lows, and you have to be able to go through those times and keep moving. That is where the competition comes in. Winning is not everything, but you have to be there to compete and try to win," he explained. "That's where you learn a lot of those lessons.
"The maturity and mental toughness you get from participating in any sport - to me, that is huge. I can see players growing in those ways - even in just one season."
Looking forward, Armstrong also said the club is growing quickly, and he largely credits strong word-of-mouth for that.
"We are known among the friend and family networks that have someone participating, and that is great. But it's not super well-known for people outside of those groups."
Tam agreed.
"I also want people to know we plan on expanding to multi-sports - such as soccer and basketball as well. We are also launching a fitness program for youth."
For more information, head to centralalbertasportsclub.ca.
