 Dear USYVL Families,
Welcome to the December issue of "Every Child Plays" focused on the Holidays.
While some of us are wondering where this year has gone many of us are looking forward to spending some quality time with our friends and family.
We've rescheduled the early registration deadline for our spring programs to December 22nd. This year we are asking every mom and dad, including you, to consider coaching your child's team. As you will see from reading below, the number one gift you can give your child is your time. I know some people might think it is a bike, ball or game; but these things should simply encourage your family to spend more time together.
My fondest memories were playing catch and shooting hoops with my father during the holidays only to come in for my mom's famous peanut butter fudge after we were done playing. While I am not allowed to share my mom's secret recipe, I am sure everyone has their own family traditions that are passed down generation to generation.
I encourage you to create some lifelong memories and traditions with your family and friends by arranging a family volleyball game this year. While some of you in California, Florida and Hawaii may be able to play some beach volleyball, our members in Fairbanks, Alaska will most likely be playing snow volleyball.
On behalf of the USYVL, I thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for our wonderful sport.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
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It's time to register your children for the upcoming Spring Season of USYVL! Register by December 22nd at USYVL.org you will save $20 on your registration!
Make sure you check the USYVL website for registration deadlines. Late fees will be waived for any parent who wants to be a head coach.
Interested in volunteering? Got Questions about coaching? Ask us and we will contact you about your interest or just answer your questions!
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Gifts for the Holiday
 Some people think we spend each day planning day-to-day operations and thinking up great new opportunities for USYVL kids, but that's not true. We've spent this holiday season trying to come up with the perfect gifts for children of all ages. In order from "good" to "best present EVER" we've helped out all you parents. Drum roll, please...
3. A Volleyball is life...the rest is details t-shirt
2. Portable Volleyball Net System
1. Spending time coaching and watching your kids at USYVL!
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Coaches Corner
The Advantage of Starting Young
By Billy Allen 
Coach & AVP Professional Beach Volleyball Player
I grew up playing volleyball and the fact that I'm still playing is not surprising. That it's my job, however, certainly is. Driving to the beach in the mornings to hit a ball around is not how I pictured my work schedule.
This is my second full year on the AVP tour and I've gotten the opportunity to travel across the country to play volleyball. This year we had 18 different stops from San Diego to New York and places you wouldn't think volleyball existed, like Louisville Kentucky. It's been a great way to see the country.
You also get to be around the game's legends. I've played against Karch Kiraly, brainstormed video ideas with Sinjin Smith, and even met Randy Sapoznik. They all have a passion for volleyball and
that's why they are still involved in making it grow.
Playing professional beach volleyball has always been a dream of mine. Growing up, volleyball was what I did, whether on sand, grass, gym floor, or dirt. I played as much as I could. Probably the most important thing for a young athlete to learn, even more than basic fundamentals, is a love for the game.
This is what will keep them working hard, improving, and playing the game for years to come. If volleyball hadn't been introduced to me first as a fun game, I would not be competing to this day.
Starting at an early age in programs like the USYVL definitely gives players an opportunity to find this love for the game by creating a fun setting for the sport. They are also learning the whole game.
Grass volleyball is the perfect blend between the indoor and beach games. The harder surface is easy to move and jump on like indoor, but you also play with the outdoor elements of wind and sun like you would on the beach. Now that sand volleyball is likely going to be a collegiate sport, players who have played outdoors from an early age will definitely be ahead of the game.
Getting into volleyball early and learning the game is also a big boost. Throughout high school and club, I was always better than the kids on my teams because I had been playing the longest. I'd
logged more time. All those ball control drills and touches not only improve your game but also build a solid foundation for skills you work on as a professional. There is a big difference between players who grew up playing and those who picked the game up later on.
It's great to see young USYVL players work hard and enjoy the game of volleyball. I hope what they take away is a passion for the sport that keeps them playing as long as possible. As the sport grows
there will be more and more opportunities, indoor and out, and hopefully what they learn in their time at the USYVL will keep them bumping and setting into adulthood. I can think of worse things to do for a living.
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| © The entire contents of this eNewsletter are copyright 2008, USYVL and may not be produced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. The views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the USYVL. Please direct any questions or comments to Questions@usyvl.org. While we welcome your contributions, please note that we are not responsible for lost or damaged photographs or materials. |
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Take the USYVL &
SoCal Volvo Survey
Volvo Gets In-VOLVO-ed
We would like to thank all the parents, spectators and participants for coming out to the 2008 Game Days. Volvo has been a USYVL sponsor for the past two years and we appreciate their support.
Please help us thank Volvo by taking a quick 5 minute survey. I look forward to seeing you at the next Game Day!
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United States Youth Volleyball League
2771 Plaza Del Amo, Suite 808,
Torrance, CA 90503
Toll Free : (888) 988-7985
Phone: (310) 212-7008
Fax: (310) 212-7182
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