Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I play for YMCA Blaze?
A: 1. Enjoy the Experience (many satisfied players and parents
        that can attest to the great time they had!)
        VIEW PARENT/PLAYER TESTIMONIALS PDF HERE
    2. Value (great price, great experience, great coaches,
        great opportunities in great facilities=GREAT BANG for BUCK.
    3. Skill Improvement (we pride ourselves on enhancing each
        players' skill set, in addition to working on team goals).
    4. Less Travel (we do not travel to far away places to play
        tough teams. We play older teams and/or tougher
        competition in Puget Sound -- saving you time, money, and
        added commitment. We limit travel to 1-2 large
        tournaments in Washington.
    5. Consistency (you will have the same practice location,
        same practice time, same coach - all season long).

Q: What age group does my daughter tryout for?
    Team tryout is based on birthdate:
    U12: Born on or after 9/1/98 (mostly 6th graders)
    U13: Born on or after 9/1/97 (mostly 7th graders)
    U14: Born on or after 9/1/96 (mostly 8th graders)
    U15: Born on or after 9/1/95 (mostly 9th graders)
    U16: Born on or after 9/1/94 (mostly 10th graders)
    Registration for tryouts is on the home page.  

Q: When/where are the practices held for the teams?
A: Practices are always held at the same location throughout the season. Players might be asked to show up 15-30 minutes early and/or stay late for conditioning, warm-up/cooldown or other team activities.

    U12: Fridays 4:00-6:00pm @ Bellevue Family YMCA
    U13: Tues & Thurs 6:00-7:30pm @ Bellevue Family YMCA
    U14: Tues & Thurs 6:00-7:30pm @ Bellevue Family YMCA
    U15: Tues & Thurs 7:30-9:30pm @ Bellevue Family YMCA
    U16: Tues & Thurs 7:30-9:30pm @ Bellevue Family YMCA
   
Practices will start approximately two weeks after tryouts for each age group.

Q: How much do you charge for club fees?
A: Families will pay approximately $155-$180/month for 6 months (December thru May). Fee range is based on YMCA membership. If you are not currently a YMCA member, you will pay ~ $180/month. This includes access to all YMCA programs and activities in the Greater Seattle service area. U12 teams will have lowered fees due to less practice time and tournament scheduling.

Q: What do the fees include?
A: Fees are ALL-INCLUSIVE and pay for the following:
    * Tournament fees
    * Lodging for 1 or 2 overnight tournaments (Washington)   
    * USAV membership  
    * YMCA membership (add'l family members extra, discounted)
    * Uniforms, shorts, warmup jackets, warmup pants
    * Volleyball equipment, gym, administration
    * Team building & social events
    * Quality, mature coaching staff
    * 2 Practices per week (4hrs/week) - Exception U12s
    * 7-10 Tournament fees:
      Approx 2 per month (including 2-3 multi-day tourneys: ECC,
      Yakima, or Spokane}

    DOES NOT INCLUDE: Food at tournaments, kneepads or shoes

Q: What should I expect playing for YMCA Blaze?
A: This is outlined in the YMCA BLAZE HANDBOOK. In addition, each coach has their own expectations for their teams. To view, use the navigation links (i.e. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) above.