By Sam Casselman and Dallas Barnes
With the Western Cup fast approaching, Apollo and Team Edmonton want you to get into the athletic spirit: the volleyball winter/spring session is about to get underway.
Apollo Inner City Volleyball, Calgary’s only GLBTA Volleyball organization has what organizers describe as an “inspiring atmosphere for recreational, intermediate, and competitive volleyball enthusiasts.” It is welcoming back former participants, and any new ones to take part in its 2010 session.
There are two leagues from which one can choose: a Friday Recreational league, and a Sunday Intermediate/Competitive league. The Recreational league welcomes players from all skill levels and all walks of life. It will be held every Friday from 7-9pm at the Langevin School (107 6 St. NE).
The Sunday Intermediate/Competitive league is held from 4:30-6:30pm at the YWCA (320 5th Avenue SE), and offers some extra challenges for players. Corey Brown, 8 year organizer of the league, is preparing for the Western Cup being held over the Easter Long Weekend. He explains, “As everyone prepares for the annual Western Cup tournament, some players will request playing as a team during the winter league; however we still accommodate all players that drop by on Friday and Sunday.”
Membership to Apollo is $20 for the year. Drop in fees for Fridays are $50 for 10 weeks, or can be paid on a nightly basis of $6 members and $9 for non-members. Sunday fees are $65 for 13 weeks or nightly at $7 for members / $9 for non-members.
All equipment including nets and balls are provided, supporting Brown’s inclusive leadership. Players range in age from early 20’s to mid-50’s. While they admittedly have a majority of male players, they are looking to increase their female participation. “I have run the Apollo Inner-City Volleyball league now for over 8 years,” says Brown, “and I strive to attract new members and make everyone feel comfortable during the time they play.”
The Apollo winter leagues start on Sunday January 10 and runs until Friday April 14, 2010.
Team Edmonton’s Free to Be Volleyball offers an Intermediate league that meets on Thursday evenings and a Recreational team meeting every Tuesday evening; both are held at Amiskiwacy Academy (101 Airport Road) from 7:30-9:30pm. The season is already underway.
The full season costs $60 while a half season, from February to April, cost $40.00. Drop-ins are $5 per evening. Similar to Apollo’s turnout, Free to Be Volleyball has a stronger male attendance, yet they are strongly encouraging women and Trans players to join up.
Keith Andony, a Free to Be Volleyball organizer is very enthusiastic about an inclusive and fun environment. He explains, “the organizers actively work to ensure that a variety of skill levels can be accommodated. Teams are set by mixing various skill levels.” There will also be special practice times set up for those wishing to participate in the Western Cup.
The Western Cup, Apollo Friends in Sports annual LGBT multi-sport event will be held in Calgary this April 1st to 3rd. There will be three levels of competition in the volleyball tournament ranging from moderate, to strong intermediate, to high competitive players. If you are interested in participating in this weekend’s events, you can do so by joining either Apollo or Team Edmonton’s volleyball leagues – a perfect opportunity to brush up on your skills, or simply learn for the first time.
Regardless of your skill level, there is a place for you to play Volleyball with others like you both in Calgary and Edmonton.
