skip navigation

Middle School Travel

Volleyball Travel Teams

MS Travel is open to girls in grades 7 & 8 with intermediate to advanced skills. Unlike the inclusive nature of the Recreational program, MS Travel pulls in top players based on tryout performance. It's ideal for athletes aspiring to play volleyball in high school and/or at the club level. 

MS TRAVEL IS NOT A CLUB  VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM.

Fall 2023 Tryouts

The MS Travel program will have 2 teams with up to 12 players per team.

Tryout Dates

  • August 7, 7PM-9PM, Check in at 6:45PM
  • August 8, 7PM-9PMCheck in at 6:45PM
  • August 15, 7PM-9PMCheck in at 6:45PM

Tryout Location: West Springfield High School Main Gym, Enter Door 5

Pricing

  • Tryout Fee: $35  (Non-refundable)
  • Registration/Acceptance Fee: TBD

Commitment

  • Two 90 minute practice each week
  • One match each week
  • Players are expected to attend most practices and matches
  • Special request for consideration will be limited to conflict/available practice days. 

Comparison of Travel vs. Recreational (Rec)

  • Key differences:

    • Travel Program = A more intense volleyball experience comparable to the competitive programs in High School and on club volleyball teams.
    • Rec Program = A more casual volleyball experience geared towards learning the sport and having fun playing with friends and classmates.

  • MS Travel players are chosen based on demonstrated volleyball skills, team-work, athleticism and coach-ability

  • MS Travel follows standard USA Volleyball Rules

    • This is similar to the SYC Volleyball Rules with the exception of the developmental rules.  Travel will not have continuous substitution and will not have a "step in" rule for the 6th graders.  Travel will use open substitutions, and ALL serves will be behind the end line.

  • MS Travel players DO NOT have equal playing time.  Playing time policy:

    • Individual playing time is influenced by positional needs, skills, effort, attitude, and practice attendance. There is no requirement for coaches to play any student athletes for a minimum amount of time during matches.
    • As practiced by most competitive volleyball program, MS Travel playing time is determined by Head Coaches as part of game strategy
    • There is no guarantee of a set amount of playing time. Some players will play more than others.
    • The unbalanced nature of playing time should be considered prior to attending a tryout or accepting a position on a team.

  • MS Travel teams play matches against other teams in the MS Select program.

  • For the Middle School division of the regional All-Stars tournament, SYC will send up to two teams of players selected exclusively from MS Travel teams.

Selection and Tryout Process

  • Players wanting to participate with the Travel program must register for tryouts. Space is limited. 
  • TRYOUTS are  open to any 7th or 8th grade girl.

Knee pads are required and will NOT be provided (loaned out) at tryouts.  No earrings or other jewelry is allowed.

We highly recommend that PLAYERS REGISTER for the RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL program to secure a spot in that program. If the player is offered a position on a Travel team, SYC will issue a full refund of the Recreational Volleyball registration fees after the player accepts and pays for the Travel  program.