Following months of abstaining from organized recreational activities, Fernie Volleyball Club (FVC) players have laced up their court shoes once again as they head into the 2021 competitive volleyball season.
With try-outs starting mid-December, FVC is currently running a six-week long Tune-Up Program to get their players ready for the season, which officially kicks off early January.
“Any school aged girls and boys in grades six and older are welcome to come try out for our competitive teams,” said FVC president and coach, Dennis Staples.
“Throughout the year we also have other programs and camps to try and develop the game with younger players.”
Following all Volleyball BC, viaSport BC and provincial health guidelines, a number of changes are expected for the upcoming season.
While in regular years, FVC’s teams trained to play in large Volleyball Alberta (VA) competitions in Calgary and Edmonton, following feedback from the parents of previous players, the club will not be participating in VA’s league play this year. Alternately, FVC seek to partner with other competitive clubs and teams in the East Kootenays to facilitate a regional competitive program beginning in January.
According to Staples, the number of teams FVC will run depends on the level of interest from players of different ages and genders, alongside the availability of coaches and facility rentals. “We don’t yet know how many total teams we’ll be able to run – last year we had six competitive girls teams, 13U, two 14U, 15U, 16U, 18U, and one mixed age boys team (that played) practices only,” added Staples.
Anyone interested in trying out for the upcoming season is urged to complete an expression of interest form found on the FVC website. Staples also encourages anyone interested in coaching indoor or beach volleyball to reach out to the club.
For more information on the upcoming season, COVID-19 protocols, or to fill out an expression of interest form, visit FVC’s social pages or head to their website.
