Tag: volleyball

Travel and Tournament Prep

Posted on by mergevolleyball

After the camps concluded, we spent two days traveling to a new location and getting to enjoy a boat ride to lunch (2 hrs) and then back to the hotel right by the water for a relaxing day to debrief.

Many of us took turns taking naps on the ride to and from lunch on the boat. The next day, we took a longer journey to the next location, where we hosted a tournament this past weekend for locals to experience a 4 v 4 beach volleyball tournament. We were so excited and had a relaxing day before the competition started.

The views and the beach were beautiful, and we couldn’t wait to meet all of the players we would be playing with!

For more updates, follow our Instagram and Facebook!

Camps

Posted on by mergevolleyball

Here is another recap straight from one of our team members!

“For three days, we spent time running a camp in the early morning from 7-9 am, getting to share the sport with those who knew little volleyball.

Later in the afternoons, we then ran a second camp from 4-6 pm with those who never had experienced volleyball.

Both of these groups included children ages 8-18 years old who were engaging with a new sport but were more experienced in basketball. Being eager to learn, they were able to experience volleyball for the first time and learned the basic skills of passing, setting, hitting, and serving over the course of the three days of the camps.

We were happy to see the athletes pick up the skills and see improvement throughout the camp.”

For more photos and updates, make sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook!

Sport and Culture

Posted on by mergevolleyball

Today’s post mostly consists of photos, as that seems to be the best way to describe so many of the amazing things that we have seen and done while in South Asia.

We are still building connections with various students in the area, working with multiple ages and skill levels. It’s been fun to be able to build some coaching experience, especially for our college athletes on the trip. Thankfully, the weather has cooperated enough that we have been able to stick with our general idea for the trip, and we’ve been able to play so much volleyball.

Along with playing volleyball every day, we’ve also been able to explore the town in which we’re staying by doing some shopping, trying new food, and getting immersed in nature!

Competitions

Posted on by mergevolleyball

Here is an update from a few team members!

For the last two days, we have been able to share volleyball with the community and a local volleyball school. We were able to convey the love of the game by helping teach several kids at an orphanage how to play.

Then we headed to the beach. Once we arrived, we were able to locate a volleyball net where we intermingled and played with the locals.

Close to the end of the night, the locals challenged us to a game of volleyball before the sun was completely gone. We won, but both teams had fun during the game.

The next day, we were able to experience some of the local culture in the morning and do some shopping before heading to a volleyball academy. The weather was unsure at times, with rain falling on and off. However, when we arrived, the rain stopped and then started up again by the time we left.

At the academy, we were able to integrate with the younger students for a game of 6 v 6 volleyball. After that game, the Varisty high school team at the academy challenged us to a game.

This game went three sets, with us winning in three sets. This volleyball was high level, although it felt like a mud bath at times with the condition that the court was in.

Overall, these past few days have been full of numerous connections through playing a game that we love and desire to share.

For more updates, make sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook!

Getting Settled

Posted on by mergevolleyball

Our team has officially made it back to South Asia and is enjoying some time settling in before working on all things volleyball! Unfortunately, the weather is going to play a big part in how camps, tournaments, and more happen, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the rain holds off while here.

For now though, we have been able to play a bit of basketball with some local kids, and we have been trying so much new (and delicious!) food.

We’re excited to see what the next couple of weeks bring as we get connected with new people and can help grow the love of volleyball in this place.

Make sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook for more!

We’re Going Back to South Asia!

Posted on by mergevolleyball

Hi, y’all! Long time, no update. We’ve been back at home base for a couple months, planning our NEXT trip to South Asia, which is officially happening next week.

We have a team of 14 heading back, made up of staff and college volleyball athletes, and they are currently in prep mode, getting everything planned out and put together.

The goal for this trip is to continue planting roots for what the team accomplished during their trips in February and December. Each person on this trip is passionate about volleyball, and they want to continue to grow that sport in each city they visit.

Working with some well-known athletes in South Asia, Merge plans to host a fun pop-up tournament, complete with a dinner the night before and prizes for the winning teams! Merge wants to build exposure, and we believe that this is a great way to do that.

This next week before the trip is going to fly by, and before we know it, Merge will be on a plane to South Asia. We are so excited about this tour and cannot wait to see all that happens over there!

Make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram for more updates and photos!