One way in which JVA promotes the growth of junior volleyball is through high quality, well organized events. In 2026 4,362 from over 650 boys’ and girls’ clubs across the country participated in 12 JVA hosted events. Most of the events sold out shortly after registration opened.

As more clubs purchase, lease, or rent facilities and collaborate to co-host events, the number of tournament options continues to grow. With so many opportunities available, many Club Directors face the challenge of determining which events best fit their teams’ needs.

As you build next season’s tournament schedule, here are four strategies to help create a balanced and effective competition plan for your club.

Plan Ahead

Planning your tournament schedule well in advance benefits everyone involved, including Club Directors, staff, Coaches, athletes, and families. Begin by identifying the events you want to attend, the tournaments you plan to return to, and those you may choose to skip. Having a clear plan early gives your club the best opportunity to secure spots in popular events that often fill before the end of the year.

It is also important to anticipate the financial commitment. Many tournaments require entry fees months before clubs begin collecting season dues from athletes and families, so budgeting for those early expenses is essential.

The best way to secure spots in your preferred events is to register and submit payment as soon as registration opens. Many tournaments begin accepting registrations as early as August 1, and the most sought-after events can fill quickly. Know the registration dates for your priority tournaments and be prepared to register promptly.

Compete in a Power League

We always recommend participating in a strong power league within your geographic region. The primary benefit of the power league format is that it provides a cost-effective alternative to the demanding travel schedule of the club season while allowing teams to compete against comparable competition within driving distance.

Power leagues also offer a consistent schedule of matched competition, giving teams the opportunity to compete at their level while moving up or down divisions based on performance throughout the season.

From there, build your schedule around your club’s “must-attend” volleyball events, whether those include JVA Championships, USAV National Qualifiers, or AAU tournaments. A balanced schedule that combines a strong regional power league with select destination events can provide meaningful competition while managing travel, costs, and athlete well-being throughout the season.

Train and Compete in Phases

As the club season continues to expand, it is important for teams to train and compete in phases. A phased approach helps athletes stay mentally engaged, physically healthy, and prepared to perform at their best when it matters most.

A typical club season might look like this:

  • December through early January: Emphasize training while competing in a few power league dates or smaller events to help teams build chemistry and establish systems.
  • Late January through Presidents’ Day Weekend: Shift into the first major competition phase for 17U and younger teams as they prepare for higher-level events.
  • Late February: Refocus on training to address recurring weaknesses, reinforce fundamentals, and improve consistency before the next stretch of competition.
  • March and April: Enter a heavy competition phase as teams pursue national rankings, bid opportunities, and qualification for end-of-season championships.
  • Early May: Return to lower-impact training to allow athletes to recover physically and mentally while maintaining focus on championship goals.
  • Memorial Day through early June: Ramp back up into the final competition phase, helping teams sharpen their play and build momentum heading into their National Championships.

Planning your tournament schedule around these training and competition phases helps keep athletes fresh, reduces the risk of burnout, and positions teams to compete at their highest level throughout the season.

Leave Gaps in Your Competition Cycle

Once you have your core schedule mapped out, focus on filling the larger gaps in your calendar. As a former Coach, I found that building in two- to three-week stretches dedicated primarily to training a few times throughout the season helps keep athletes rested, motivated, and focused on long-term development.

If you’re looking for tournaments on specific dates or in certain regions of the country, several online platforms allow you to search past, current, and upcoming junior volleyball events. These resources are excellent tools for identifying opportunities that fit your club’s schedule.

If you have any questions or are looking for unbiased recommendations in creating the most ideal schedule for your teams, please feel free to contact members@jvavolleyball.org

For related reading on junior volleyball events clicView more information and reading on volleyball tournaments.