The Mariners Volleyball Club continues to grow in it's seventh year. Nearly 300 kids from Grade 3-12 are expected to join this fall. (Mariners Volleyball Club)

By Dan Marshall

Community Volleyball

Mariners Volleyball Club sees increased interest from Nanaimo youth

Sep 11, 2022 | 10:34 AM

NANAIMO — Young athletes have an opportunity to learn or develop volleyball skills this fall through the Mariners Volleyball Club.

Sessions for grades three to twelve will begin in mid-September at Aspengrove School, Oliver Woods Community Centre and McGirr Elementary.

Club administrator Rosalynn Campbell said programs have been running in Nanaimo since 2015.

“Our recreational program has grown since then and is expanding. Last year we had 240 youth registered and this year we’re anticipating over 300 for our fall rec programming.”

Most age groups run two days a week with the aim of fostering personal growth, development and a passion for the sport of volleyball.

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Sessions are tailored differently for younger and older players.

“For the young age groups it’s very grassroots and for some of them it may be their first exposure to the sport. In the older grades the athletes start to develop more refined skills especially if they’re playing in indoor club or competitive beach programs.”

Campbell said the Mariners volleyball is designed to work with what kids may be exposed to in the school system.

“A number of our coaches are also involved in the school system and we do have some coaches who are teachers. We’re mindful of those programs that already exist and we’re looking to expand our relationship.”

Costs for individual equipment aren’t high for volleyball but the costs for gym rentals are a reality.

Campbell said keeping costs low for families is an ongoing discussion.

“Sports are becoming more and more expensive so we want to stay affordable regardless of what other sports might be doing. Kidsport is a great resource and we have some participants who have utilized that.”

Jumpstart is another resource for families and the Mariners also offer three scholarships.

Information on those scholarships, along with information on specific programs and schedules is online at www.marinersvolleyballclub.ca.

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