About SVB: About

HOW WE STARTED

My name is Lucia Howard and I am the Club Director and Head Coach of the Sidney Volleyball (SVB) Club. I am a former collegian player (2007-2011), adult league player (2011-present), former club coach at BAVC (Tulsa, OK; 2015-2016) and now also Sidney High School - Head Coach (Fall 2017-present).

Together with some dedicated parents we felt the need for a high-level volleyball in Sidney. We decided to work together and create opportunity for talented young girls to develop their skills as part of the SVB Club. The SVB is registered under the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) of The U.S. This means qualified coaches as well as well-organized plan to expand on girls talent during weekly practices and 4+ tournaments.

2017 Season:

Our 12U age group started practicing in early February 2017. We attended tournaments in North Platte and Kearney NE. We finished #3 (out of 14) in Gillette, WY in March, #1 (out of 9) in Douglas WY in April and #3 (out of 18) at Casper WY Grand Prix in April. First place in Grand Prix got a free entry to AAU Nationals in AZ or FL! Girls lost in semifinals by only 2 points.

TRYOUTS

14U: January 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM at the Sidney West Elementary School.

12U: January 16, 2018 at 8:00 PM at the Sidney West Elementary School.

There will be a $10 fee to participate in the tryouts (payable by January 13). To pay, click on the Register & Pay tab. Offers will be made to the players selected within three days. Deadline to accept will be January 22, 2018 (this is when 1/3 of the Club Fee payment is due).

Although we would like to include as many players as possible, this is COMPETITIVE volleyball. Not everyone will make the team(s). At a minimum, a basic level of fundamental skills and athleticism is expected at tryouts. Players will be judged based on skill level and how much improvement may be needed prior to tournament play. The team(s) will be playing against experienced teams in a competitive environment and will need to be able to compete. Please be aware, being selected for a team is NOT guaranteed, and there are NO refunds ($10 to try out) if your child is not selected.

CLUB COST

The cost of the SVB Club is $300 in 2018. This will included practice equipment, jerseys, gym time, (4-5) tournament fees, team registration with AAU and other. Once your child is selected for the team, she will have to become a member of the AAU ($16) prior to 1st practice on January 29, 2018 (14U) or January 30, 2018 (12U). Travel arrangements to and from tournaments (NE, WY) will be responsibility of the parent.

We understand Sidney's difficult situation; many people are leaving Sidney due to Bass Pro/Cabela's merger. That's why we decided to have players commit to only one month at a time. This means that if you and your family move away, you are committing only to that month's payment. If the player participates in any practice/tournament in the month you've registered her for, you are not eligible for refund.

The Club Fee will be payable through the SVB website. Payment of 1/3 ($100) is expected prior to each month of practices (1st payment is due Jan 22, 2nd payment is due Feb 28 and 3rd by March 31, 2018).

Pricing is determined by a full roster (8-10 girls), and costs to the program will accumulate quickly.

COMMITMENT

Each player is expected to attend each practice and tournament throughout the season. Players and parents may be asked to sign a contract.

TEAM

Coaches will be experienced and will complete a training designed by the Positive Coaching Alliance. While coaches will not be paid, they are more than just volunteers.

Team(s) will ideally consist of 8-10 players. Each team will have two coaches assigned to it.

In 2017, we concentrated on girls 12 YO and younger. In 2018, we are expanding the program to also include 14 YO age group. Players 10 & 11 YO will have to play up in the 12U Division and 13 YO in 14U Division.

PRACTICES

Practices will start in late-January in 2018, as determined by the coach. We are currently planning on one practice a week (Mondays 14U & Tuesdays 12U at 7:45 PM). More practices could be an option starting in mid-March based on gym availability, coaches and team coordination. These will include Position and Team Practices. There may also be some additional classroom sessions to be scheduled.

TOURNAMENTS

Tournaments will begin in February and we will try to work around the basketball tournament & track meet schedules. Check SVB Calendar for a list of available volleyball tournaments. Most of the tournaments are in Norte Platte, Hastings, Kearney, Grand Island, Casper WY and Rawlins WY. In 2018, we plan to have a couple tournaments in Sidney (TBD March 25 & April 22). Specific tournaments to attend will be decided after team(s) is formed and coaches have a chance to work with their players. Our goal is to attend 1-2 tournaments per month.

TRAVEL

Tournaments include but are not limited to the above listed cities. If a team decides they want to travel to more tournaments than SVB Club budgeted for, players/parents will be responsible for the following:
• All coaches overnight stay (e.g., if a two-day tournament)
• Tournament and Administration fees
• Parents and Players overnight stay and meals
• Additional tournaments have to be agreed upon by the coach and whole team
• This additional amount will be figured by SVB and divided among all the players, to be paid by a deadline

About SVB: News & Updates