(MILWAUKEE, WI) – First Point Volleyball Foundation, the preeminent nonprofit foundation growing boys’ and men’s volleyball in America, and Junior Volleyball Association (JVA), a leading association in the growth of club youth volleyball in America have announced a renewed commitment to jointly provide more opportunities for boys to play volleyball.

The Board of Directors of JVA approved a grant of $150,000 to be paid $50,000 per year to First Point for various grow-the-game initiatives. Previously, JVA had supported First Point Volleyball with a multi-year $125,000 grant – bringing JVA’s total undesignated support to First Point to $275,000.

“We could not be more pleased about our ongoing and expanded partnership with JVA,” said Wade Garard, Co-Founder and CEO of First Point Volleyball Foundation. “Growing boys’ volleyball at the middle school and high school level is a strategic objective of both of our organizations and a priority for all JVA clubs and club directors.”

Funds contributed to First Point by JVA and other stakeholders will be used to further First Point’s initiatives in four key areas (1) ) Creation of more collegiate programs, scholarships and roster opportunities; (2) High school growth and advocacy [with a goal to get high school boys’ volleyball as a sanctioned sport in all 50 states by 2028]; (3) Middle school growth and advocacy; and (4) Opportunities for kids to learn and compete in volleyball especially in under-resourced areas of the country.

“First Point has been a valued partner to our organization and those passionate about the growth of boys’ and men’s volleyball,” said Jenny Hahn, Executive Director of the JVA. “Considering how First Point has put philanthropic dollars to work successfully to create more opportunities, it was a logical decision to double our annual support to First Point each year for the next three years.”

First Point’s volunteer vice chairman and President of the Executive Committee Marin Gjaja expressed his gratitude for all of those who invest in young people. “We appreciate JVA as well as every association and volleyball stakeholder who wants the boys’ game to grow, for investing impact dollars with First Point Volleyball. Our Board of Directors are made up of a talented, thoughtful and generous group of volunteer donors. They serve as excellent stewards of funds contributed by all of our donors including the JVA.”

“JVA is proud to be advocating for the growth of boys volleyball,” said JVA Board President Mike Lingenfelter. “We are excited about First Point continuing its focus on increasing more college opportunities and especially are thrilled about First Point’s dedication to growing high school boys’ volleyball and middle school boys’ volleyball.”

The partnership includes First Point Volleyball Foundation having a presence at JVA youth volleyball events including but not limited to The Chi-Town Boys Challenge, JVA World Challenge, and other events.

About First Point Volleyball Foundation

Founded by Wade Garard and John Speraw in 2016, First Point Volleyball Foundation has made grants to start 38 new men’s collegiate volleyball programs and those 38 colleges are now funding 80 scholarships that did not exist before First Point started. First Point has started collegiate programs at every division including starting six HBCU men’s volleyball NCAA DII programs and 18 two-year, junior college programs. NCAA DI-II men’s volleyball has grown by 42% in the six years since First Point was founded. In addition to JVA, First Point has been supported significantly by AVCA, AAU, USA Volleyball, GEVA, RMR, Badger Region, AZ Region, North Texas Region, Sports Imports, and others.

About JVA

The Junior Volleyball Association is a national organization that provides education for youth and junior clubs on best practices, club growth, program development, and advocacy with resources that are provided free to members. The JVA’s mission is to promote the growth of youth and junior volleyball through program and resource development, education, and events. Their number one goal is to help its member clubs and events thrive, uniting club directors, coaches, and educators to improve the junior volleyball experience. To learn more about the JVA visit jvavolleyball.org.