New Jersey Youth Volleyball: A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Club for Young Players

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Sep 5, 2025 BoysVB, Club Volleyball, GirlsVB, High School, NJ Clubs

9/6/25

New Jersey offers an exceptional landscape for young volleyball players to develop their skills, build confidence, and fall in love with the sport. From elementary-age beginners taking their first swings at a volleyball to middle schoolers preparing for high school competition, the Garden State provides diverse club options that cater to every skill level, budget, and family schedule. This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the abundant opportunities available for their young athletes.

Why Start Volleyball Young in New Jersey?

The Garden State’s volleyball infrastructure is among the strongest in the nation. The Garden Empire Volleyball Association (GEVA) serves as the regional authority for USA Volleyball, covering New Jersey, Long Island, and the Greater Metropolitan Area of New York City, providing young players access to structured competition and pathways to higher levels of play.

Key Benefits for Early Starters:

Fundamental skill development during crucial learning years
Introduction to teamwork and sportsmanship
Access to quality coaching and facilities
Preparation for middle and high school volleyball
Social connections and lifelong friendships
Physical fitness and coordination development

Age-Appropriate Program Types

Elementary Age (Grades 1-5): Foundation Building

Youth Development Programs These introductory programs focus on fun while teaching basic skills. Coaches focusing on teaching and refining basic fundamental skills including passing, setting, serving, and hitting.

Key Features:

Emphasis on fun and participation over competition
Progressive skill development
Modified rules and equipment
Group activities and games
Positive reinforcement approach

Middle School Age (Grades 6-8): Skill Development

Youth Leagues and Competitive Programs As players develop, they can join more structured leagues. Youth programs for beginner and intermediate players (Grades 1-9), teaching fundamentals through small group games with fall programs featuring game days and introduction to 6v6 volleyball.

Progression Features:

Introduction to formal volleyball rules
Position-specific training
Team concepts and strategy
Tournament participation
Leadership development

Choosing the Right Program: Key Considerations

Skill Level Assessment

Beginner: Look for programs emphasizing fun and fundamental skills
Intermediate: Seek clubs with youth leagues and skill progression
Advanced: Consider competitive programs with tournament play

Time Commitment

Recreational: 1-2 practices per week, minimal travel
Competitive: 2-3 practices weekly, regular tournaments
Elite: Daily training, extensive travel, year-round commitment

Budget Considerations

Programs vary significantly in cost:

Most Affordable: North Jersey Volleyball Club with fundraising options
Mid-Range: Most recreational programs ($200-500 per season)
Premium: Elite clubs ($1,000+ annually)

Geographic Convenience

Consider travel time to practices and tournaments when selecting a club. Many clubs offer multiple locations for accessibility.

Philosophy Match

Development-Focused: Emphasizes skill building over winning
Competition-Oriented: Prioritizes results and elite performance
Recreational: Balances fun with learning

Getting Started: First Steps for Parents

1. Assess Interest and Ability

Start with summer camps or clinics to gauge your child’s interest and natural ability before committing to a full season.

2. Visit Multiple Clubs

Observe practices, meet coaches, and talk to current families to find the best fit.

3. Consider Multi-Sport Balance

Many young athletes benefit from playing multiple sports. Choose clubs that accommodate this approach.

4. Start Local and Recreational

Begin with less intensive programs and progress based on interest and development.

5. Emphasize Fun

The primary goal at young ages should be enjoyment and skill development, not winning.

Seasonal Programming Overview

Fall Programs: Focus on fundamentals, league play introduction Winter Programs: Indoor skill development, technique refinement
Spring Programs: Preparation for summer and next season Summer Programs: Camps, clinics, and intensive skill development

The Path Forward

New Jersey’s youth volleyball landscape provides exceptional opportunities for young players to develop skills, build character, and prepare for future competition. Whether your child is a complete beginner or showing early promise, the Garden State’s diverse club options ensure every young athlete can find their place in the volleyball community.

The key is starting with programs that match your child’s current skill level and interests while keeping the door open for future growth. With patient development and the right club environment, young players can build the foundation for years of volleyball enjoyment and success.

Remember: The best program is one where your child feels supported, challenged appropriately, and most importantly, has fun learning this amazing sport.

New Jersey Volleyball Clubs Directory

New Jersey boasts 28 GEVA-approved volleyball clubs providing extensive options for young players throughout the state. Here’s a complete alphabetical directory:

Allegro Volleyball Club

Location: Denville, Morris County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: allegrovolleyball.com
Philosophy: Comprehensive volleyball development with focus on skill building

Bergen Volleyball Club & Academy

Location: Waldwick, Bergen County
Age Range: Programs for boys and girls ages 7-16
Programs: Summer camps, volleyball classes, club teams, private lessons
Focus: Fundamentals focusing on “FUN, FITNESS & FELLOWSHIP”
Contact: bergenvolleyball@gmail.com

Capitals Volleyball Club

Location: Long Valley, Morris County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: capitalsvolleyballclub.com

Central Jersey Volleyball Academy (CJVA)

Location: Flemington, Hunterdon County
Website: cjva.org
Age Range: 1st-8th grade for youth programs
Seasonal Options: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer programs
Program Types: JumpStart for beginners, youth leagues, club volleyball
Philosophy: Emphasis on “positive lifelong character traits including sportsmanship, leadership, and cooperation”

CORE Volleyball

Location: Hillsborough, Somerset County
Website: corevball.com
Youth Programs: Perfect for young athletes eager to learn volleyball for the first time
Schedule: Mondays & Thursdays, 4:30-6:00 PM at $25/session
Seasonal Programming: 10-session programs focusing on essential skills and mechanics
Camp Options: Summer programs with college and club professional coaching

DIGS Volleyball Club

Location: Wyckoff, Bergen County
Specialty: Not-for-profit club dedicated to developing middle and high school student-athletes
Website: digsvolleyball.com
Philosophy: Community-focused development
Coverage Area: Northern NJ and downstate NY region

East Coast Crush VBC

Location: Cherry Hill, Camden County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: eastcoastcrush.org

Eastern Volleyball Academy

Location: Williamstown, Gloucester County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: easternvolleyballacademy.org

Essex Volleyball Club

Location: Scotch Plains, Union County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: essexvbc.com

Garden State Elite Volleyball Club

Location: Mine Hill, Morris County
Website: gsevc.com
Mission: “Where the best become ELITE” – premier volleyball center in New Jersey
Youth Programs: Weekday teams (Mondays & Wednesdays 5-6:30 PM), Sunday teams (Sundays 1-4 PM)
Philosophy: Elite-level training with personalized workout plans, film review, and monthly testing
Special Features: Top-tier coaches, challenging practices, speed/agility training, weekly open gyms

Jersey Juniors Volleyball Club

Location: Cherry Hill, Camden County
Website: jerseyjuniorsvolleyball.com
Reputation: Top-ranked girls volleyball club in New Jersey
Youth Programs: Seasonal programs for grades 1-9 including summer, fall, winter, and spring options
Cost Structure: Fall program at $300 for 12 sessions plus game days and team jersey

Marlton Volleyball Club

Location: Marlton, Burlington County
Programs: Girls volleyball specializing in youth development
Website: marltonvolleyballclub.com
Focus: Local and regional competition opportunities

NJ Ronin

Location: Cherry Hill, Camden County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Focus: Competitive volleyball development

North Jersey Volleyball Club

Location: Cranford, Union County
Website: northjerseyvolleyballclub.com
Philosophy: “We have a place for every juniors player at any skill level”
Age Range: 9-18 years old
Cost: Most affordable in tri-state area with fundraising opportunities
Special Features: Only one practice per week, perfect for multi-sport athletes

Ocean Volleyball Club

Location: Toms River, Ocean County
Programs: Girls volleyball specializing in shore area development
Website: oceancountyvolleyballclub.com

Palisades Aces

Location: Tenafly, Bergen County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: jccotp.org/programs/palisades-aces/
Affiliation: Part of JCC on the Palisades programming

Powerzone Volleyball

Location: Denville, Morris County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: powerzonevb.com

Princeton Volleyball Club

Location: Newtown, PA (serves NJ and PA)
Website: princetonvbc.com
Coverage: New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Age Groups: Programs for grades 6-9 (intermediate) and grades 8-12 (competitive), with skills instruction for grades 4-8
Special Features: Partnership with Parisi Speed School for athletic development
Levels: 3-5 teams per age group accommodating all skill levels

Quandomania VBC

Location: Pitman, Gloucester County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: quandomania.com

Shore Volleyball Academy

Location: Lakewood, Ocean County
Website: shorevolleyballacademy.com
Coverage: Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties
Age Range: 8-18 years old
Program Types: Camps and clinics for boys and girls

Sideout Sports Volleyball Club

Location: Fairfield, Essex County
Website: sosvolleyball.com
Facility: 12,160 sq ft with 3 full-size courts, SportCourt surface with rubber lining
Scale: Fields 15-18 girls club volleyball teams and 3 boys club volleyball teams (ages 14-18)
Philosophy: “Dedicated to the knowledge and appreciation of the sport of volleyball”
Programs: Private lessons, summer camps, clinics, youth development programs

Silver Hammers Volleyball Club

Location: Manahawkin, Ocean County
Programs: Girls volleyball development programs
Special Events: “Friendship Tournament” and other community-focused competitions
Philosophy: Community-oriented club focusing on player development and sportsmanship
Coverage Area: Ocean County and surrounding shore communities

Stars & Stripes Beach Volleyball

Location: Aberdeen, Monmouth County
Website: starsandstripesbeachvolleyball.com
Specialty: Girls beach volleyball programs
Focus: Outdoor/beach volleyball development

Top Tier Volleyball Club

Location: Livingston, Essex County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball
Website: toptiervc.org

Train Up Sports Volleyball Academy

Location: West Milford, Passaic County
Programs: Girls and boys volleyball development
Focus: Athletic and character development through volleyball

Warren Sixpack Volleyball Club

Location: Aberdeen, Monmouth County
Website: warrensixpack.com
History: Founded in 1978, one of New Jersey’s premier volleyball clubs
Scale: Over 250 athletes with National Teams competing at the highest levels
Programs: Travel national, regional, and local teams for boys and girls
Philosophy: Individual skill development and teamwork through positive atmosphere
Coaching: Impact Certified coaches, many current or former collegiate coaches