Eveything you need to know about joining the Valley Juniors family.
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What makes Valley Juniors different?
At Valley Juniors, we believe every athlete deserves access to high-quality coaching, meaningful competition, and opportunities to grow—without unnecessary financial barriers. As the Shenandoah Valley’s original club volleyball program and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every decision we make is centered around creating the best possible experience for our athletes and families.
Unlike many clubs, our experienced coaches volunteer their time because they are passionate about developing the next generation of volleyball players. This allows us to keep our tuition among the lowest in Virginia for comparable levels of competition while continuing to provide exceptional coaching, competitive tournament schedules, and a positive, player-focused environment.
With more than 50 years of combined coaching experience, a staff comprised of respected high school coaches from throughout the region, and more collegiate volleyball alumni than any other club in the Shenandoah Valley, Valley Juniors has built a tradition of developing confident athletes, strong teammates, and future leaders both on and off the court.
When are tryouts?
Tryouts for the 2026-2027 season will be Saturday, August 15th at Turner Ashby High School. Check out the Tryouts page for more information, including time slots for specific age groups.
What if I can't attend my age group's designated tryout day/time?
While we encourage all athletes to attend their original tryout date so they can participate with their age group directly, make-up tryouts will be held Sunday, August 23rd at Turner Ashby High School from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM for all age groups.
What is the difference in a "Club" team and an "Open" team?
Club-level teams primarily compete in regional tournaments within Virginia. Tournament schedules will include single-day and multi-day tournaments.
Open-Level Teams are intended for athletes looking for the highest level of competition. These teams compete against some of the strongest clubs on the East Coast, traveling to larger multi-day tournaments both in and out of state.
Team placement is based on skill level, roster needs, and coaching evaluations during tryouts. Not every age division will offer both Club-level and Open-level teams each season.
Can my athlete "play up"?
Each athlete is evaluated at their USAV defined age group. If our coaching staff believes a player can contribute to a team at an older age group, they may be invited to participate on that team.
When does the season start and end?
Each team varies, but practices typically begin in mid-November after the high school season concludes. Tournaments will begin in January and run through April or May.
What is the practice schedule like?
Each team will practice at least twice a week – once on a designated weekday evening and once on Sunday. Practices will take place at local area high schools.
Can I play another sport while participating in club volleyball?
Many of our Valley Juniors athletes are multi-sport athletes at their high school or participate in other extra-curricular activities. While participating in other sports/activities is not a barrier to joining Valley Juniors, please consider the time commitment required for club volleyball in both practices and tournaments. If you make a Valley Juniors team & plan on participating in other activity during the club season, please communicate that with your coach.
If my player made a team once, are they guaranteed to make it next season?
No. Each season is treated as a fresh start with a new team. Players must earn their spot on a team annually.
What gear is included in my team dues?
Each player will receive two jerseys and a custom embroidered backpack. All players will provide their own black bottoms (spandex shorts or leggings) and can wear shoes/socks and kneepads of their choosing.
Are there any other costs associated with club volleyball we should know about?
At Valley Juniors, we always strive to clearly communicate what is included in tuition costs, what families may expect to pay outside of those fees, and what Valley will never charge families for.
Outside of your annual tuition, things families will be responsible for paying for include:
- Travel to tournaments (hotel for overnight tournaments, gas, etc.)
- Tournament entry for spectators
- Meals during tournaments
- Uniform pieces not included in team gear: spandex/leggings, shoes, socks, kneepads
You can find a full explanation of team dues here.
Why do players also work events?
USA Volleyball tournaments rely on participating teams to help officiate matches throughout the day. When a team is not actively competing, players are assigned officiating responsibilities such as serving as the scorekeeper, libero tracker, line judge, or up referee/down referee (when appropriately certified). Coaches and adults may also assist in these roles when required.
Working matches is an important part of the club volleyball experience. In addition to helping tournaments run efficiently, officiating gives athletes a deeper understanding of the rules, scoring, rotations, and game management. These experiences help players develop volleyball knowledge, improve communication, and gain a greater appreciation for the game.