Coming Soon to NYC!!!
My name is Patrick Dietz, I am the founder of this club, and a local area volleyball player, coach and enthusiast. A born and raised New Yorker, I grew up playing volleyball along side some of the City's best volleyball players on the mean asphalt courts of the Central Park Mall. The Mall is located in the center of the park between The Band Shell and Sheep's Meadow and just north of Wallman Rink. You will find not just hard courts but two beautiful sand courts, just waiting to be used! This is New York City's HOME, MECCA for volleyball.
Why an Adult Club and Not Junior Club?
I have seen so many people come to our city with awesome volleyball skill and knowledge, but they don't have a place to play or harness their love of volleyball. I have also witnessed hundreds of people fall in love with the sport of volleyball but have no way of learning how to improve or gain better skill without joining a league. This is what our club will be there for. My goal is give those with a passion for volleyball a place to play, and those looking to get better a place to grow in their knowledge of the sport.
Over the past few years there has been a push to build up the youth volleyball system in the New York City Area. As a coach I am all for this and can't wait to have the opportunity to teach these next great athletes how to get better. However, what about the current great athletes of this generation and possible volleyball players who are now discovering the game? That is the void I hope to fill with this EmpireVC.
These young people are taught to have this great love of volleyball and to play when ever they have a chance. Some become so good they are able to play at the collegiate level, but what happens when they are out of college? Where will they go and who will they play with? How about if they weren't the best players on their team and are still passionate about playing? This is another void Empire will address. Our club will be that conduit for continued love of a great sport, in a great city!
In cities like Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia, adult clubs are just as strong as junior clubs. I want NYC, the greatest city in my heart, to be able to boast the same thing. We have too many spectacular people, with fantastic gifts, not playing volleyball in this city. Lets try to change that!!!
How Will Empire Volleyball be Different to Other Clubs?
There are many teams and clubs in the New York/New Jersey Metro Area that have been playing with each other for a number of years. Each group has their core of members that exemplify what and how volleyball has helped to shape their lives. Empire will be no different in its mission and ideals, in that respect. However, our execution will be different.
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| The Men of Central Park Volleyball (CPVB) |
Growing up in Central Park, I had the privilege of learning the game from many local legends. They took me under their wings and instructed me in what it really meant to play volleyball in the Empire City of the Empire State. What it meant to be a friends and a teammate. That drew me more to love volleyball for what it gave me. It is my duty as one of their legacies to return the favor. Volleyball isn't just meant to be learned by the young, it is a sports for all ages.
We aren't just a group of preset players looking to play only along side our former teammates and current friends. No! In fact our club will be about bringing volleyball to everyone! Teaching, coaching and playing with those who are looking for a great volleyball experience. Opening the volleyball treasure chest to all that seek it. Volleyball has thrust me into a world of fortune in both my personal and business lives. Empire will be some place many could use for networking as well.
It Won't Just Be Volleyball!!!
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| Volleyball Birthday Party |
EVC will host mixers and parties through out the volleyball season (s). Some of these events will be coupled with a weekend tournament. Just doing volleyball isn't the only thing we should be known for. A well rounded club has people involved who look to go beyond just the court. Volleyball won't be our only reason to meet up and have some fun!!
Where Will We Play?
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| LaGuardia HS Gym |
Currently, we are scouting locations in Manhattan. We are hoping to have a high school with two courts available to us. We know that a centrally located facility will be paramount to achieving our ultimate goal. There are very few places in the New York City area that are available and easily accessible by public transportation left in the city, but we will find it and hope to have it ready, early September.
This facility will be used to conduct adult volleyball clinics for people just starting in their volleyball journey. The gym will be our center for team training and intra-squad scrimmages. This will be our house to hold tournaments and fundraising events. This gymnasium we find will be our HOME...and the people in it our family. Our extended volleyball family, brothers, sisters, and cousins progressing in the love of volleyball.
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| Women's Logo |
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| Men's Logo |
How Many Teams Will There Be in the Club?
To be honest, I don't know. My goal is to have four (4) teams to start off with, two men's and two women's. What level they decide to compete in will be determined by their team captains. All the teams will register with the Garden Empire Volleyball Association (GEVA), this is the local USA Volleyball region that umbrellas most of the metro area teams. There are multiple playing opportunities per month with GEVA** from about mid-October to May, right up to the USA Volleyball Open Nationals tournament, Memorial Day Weekend in late May early June. This is the pinnacle event for the indoor season. Going to Nationals is another worth while endeavor. It is always a fun time and great competition.
There are other opportunities through out the year besides GEVA to play in tournaments. For those who can not commit to a team for a whole season, there is also Volleyball Lawn & Indoor (VBLI), run by Glenn Yankow. This is a company that holds weekend tournaments throughout the Metro Area at many of the area colleges. There is usually a membership fee and tournament fee to participate with VBLI.
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| 2009 USAV Nationals in MN for more info go to www.geva.org or www.usavolleyball.org |
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| VBLI action... for more info go to www.VBLI.com |
One day...
I hope to say that Empire Volleyball Club, helped to inspire a new era of volleyball enthusiasts to the New York volleyball scene. I also hope that we could be held in the same breath as many of the long standing programs that have graced the courts of this great city.
Thank you for reading this blog and can't wait to get you all out on the courts!!!
**Information on cost (club fees), GEVA fees, team practice schedules and other related items will be posted in future blogs.
