Find the Right Fit
Explore NIVA programs for every age, experience level, and season—from first-time players to competitive travel athletes.
A Place for Every Athlete
NIVA offers opportunities for athletes to learn, develop, compete and stay involved with volleyball throughout the entire year.
Our programs are organized to help families choose the option that best matches their athlete’s age, experience, goals, schedule and desired level of competition.
Athletes can begin with introductory movement and motor-development programs, advance into skill-based instruction and recreational teams, and eventually pursue regional or national-level travel volleyball.
Start Here. Grow From Here.
NIVA’s pathway gives athletes an age-appropriate starting point and provides opportunities to continue progressing as their skills, confidence and competitive goals grow.
Volley Buds
Ages 2.5 through Pre-K
An active introduction to athletics that builds fundamental movement, coordination, strength and confidence.
- Fundamental motor development
- Hand-eye coordination
- Age-appropriate movement activities
- Positive introduction to sports
Volley Sprouts
Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
A fun and encouraging introduction to volleyball fundamentals without the pressure of a competitive team environment.
- Beginner volleyball instruction
- Confidence and coordination
- Fun, high-energy activities
- No competitive team commitment
NIVA Minis
Kindergarten through 2nd Grade
A more structured, volleyball-focused program that bridges the gap between basic motor development and gameplay.
- Passing, setting and serving
- Attacking and defense
- Rules and court awareness
- Structured skill instruction
NIVA Rec
3rd through 12th Grade
A developmental, team-based option for athletes who want to learn the game, improve their skills and compete locally.
- Non-travel team experience
- Local practices and competition
- Skill and game development
- Girls and boys opportunities
Boys Travel
Approximately 4th through 12th Grade
A competitive, team-based division for players that want more elite training and competition.
- Competitive team environment
- Multiple weekly practices
- Competitive tournament schedules
- Advanced player development
Girls Travel
Approximately 4th through 12th Grade
A competitive, team-based division for players that want more elite training and competition.
- Competitive team environment
- Multiple weekly practices
- Competitive tournament schedules
- Advanced player development
More Than Team Seasons
Athletes can continue developing throughout the year through focused training opportunities outside of their regular team.
Train During Every Season
NIVA regularly offers camps, clinics, rust busters, open gyms and private lessons. These programs allow athletes to prepare for tryouts, improve specific skills or stay active between team seasons.
Programs by Season
Program availability can change, but this overview shows the types of NIVA opportunities families can generally expect during each season.
Fall
August through November- Girls Travel Tryouts
- Girls Travel Information Meeting
- Boys Travel
- Boys Train & Play
- Train & Play
- Rust Busters and Clinics
- Volley Buds and Sprouts
- NIVA Minis
- Private Lessons
Winter
December through March- Girls Travel
- Girls Rec
- Boys Travel
- Boys Rec
- Winter Skills Camp
- MFH Camps and Events
- Volley Buds and Sprouts
- NIVA Minis
- Private Lessons
Spring
April through May- Girls National Travel
- Girls Spring Travel
- Train & Play
- Camps and Clinics
- Volley Buds and Sprouts
- NIVA Minis
- Private Lessons
Summer
June through July- Beach Volleyball
- Train & Play
- Summer Camps
- Skills Clinics
- MFH Camps
- Private Lessons