Needless to say this time of the year is pretty busy for club directors and staff. There is so much to do behind the scenes and the staff at Niagara Frontier has been doing a great job preparing for the season.

We held tryouts for both boys and girls and had great numbers. We did our best to offer positions to as many kids as possible. We are still in the process of solidifying a few roster spots and getting commitments from players. At one or two age groups there still may be some spots that will open up. Any teams that have not been separated will be done after the first few practices.

There are other organizations in our area that offered opportunities for young players to participate in volleyball. We are proud to have good relationships with those clubs and their directors. We want to congratulate those players that made rosters with other clubs and want to wish them the best of luck. Let’s be sure to respect the work that those players are doing in their gyms and that our Niagara Frontier family continues to show good sportsmanship during competition.

Coaches and players should be checking on their WEVA membership so we can add them to official rosters. Some tournaments we registered for, are waiting for these rosters before we get accepted into events.

Coaches are preparing to meet before practices start to discuss practice plans and to make sure all their mandatory background screenings, IMPACT, SafeSport and Concussion certifications are completed and up to date. There has been a great push to keep young volleyball players safe and our region does a great job supporting the efforts of USA Volleyball, AAU and the JVA.

We will be setting up dates for referee and scorekeeping training, recruiting info workshops and leadership training for athletes as well as meetings for parents regarding volleyball rules so they can better understand the matches they come to watch and what their sons and daughters are talking about on the rides home from our building.

We have just placed our order for the boys and girls uniforms and equipment packages. They are going to look GREAT and we will distribute them as soon as they arrive. Smack Sportswear has also created a “Spirit wear” store for us. Items ordered will be shipped directly to your house.

Many of our club members have grown as volleyball players during this fall’s school season. Niagara Frontier is proud of all the success and contributions made to their modified, JV and varsity school teams. It’s really great to see our player’s names in the News and we like to follow the teams on their paths to league, sectional and state championship berths.

But most of all… our players and coaches are excited to start the season. Coaches are gearing up to offer the best experience they can and are looking forward to meeting new players and bonding teammates so each team can meet their goals. In recent days, the players have created a buzz, good vibes and positive energy which shows how excited they are to get together and begin another volleyball journey during the months ahead.

Please join us in the excitement and be ready to support, help, share, talk about, photograph, post, notice, thank, praise and enjoy this year’s journey.

Coach Rocco