At the end of July, Keith Melanson will be hosting a girl’s volleyball camp as part of the process in revitalizing girl’s volleyball in the county.
Melanson began this venture by contacting and visiting the athletic directors at eight schools about getting a league started in the fall. After meeting with them they concluded they would have the eight-team league start in the fall on Oct. 3.
Each team will play two matches every Wednesday night in the Northumberland High School Gym once the league begins.
Melanson said the lack of opportunity to play volleyball for the younger girls was something the county needed.
“These schools are feeder schools for the high schools and few had the opportunity to play before high school unless it was with a club,” he said. “There is the potential to develop programs and kids at a younger age and that’s what we hope to put in place.”
The camp will be under the direction of Melanson, a former Canada Games, university, school and club volleyball coach. The camp will focus on both team and individual aspects of the game including positions, plays, as well as the technical side of the game.
“Our main focus is development and that has always been my focus since I started coaching,” said Melanson. “We want to develop players in junior high to be able to play on high school teams and from there prepare them for university. Not only will those players and schools develop strong programs, but the club teams will also grow into stronger teams.”
“We’re looking towards the future and want to give the kids the best opportunities to play.”
The camp will run July 30 to Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The cost for the athletes is $60 and the registration deadline is July 21. There is a maximum of 32 kids able to register.
“I would ideally like to have four kids from every school so that every school gets to learn the same amount to start out so that everyone is at a similar level,” he said.
To register or for further information you can contact Keith at 752-0498.
