NYC Starlings VOLLEYBALL CLUBS, USA

Beginning with a single inner-city San Diego team in 1996, today Starlings is the largest Junior Volleyball Club in the nation─serving some 2,500 girls in 38 clubs across America. Clubs stretch from New York City to Los Angeles, from Portland to Phoenix, Arizona. The guiding concept has been to provide an opportunity for girls (ages 10 to18) to participate regardless of their socioeconomic background. Club dues, if any, are a fraction of most Junior Club costs and no girl is turned away because of inability to pay.

STARLINGS MISSION STATEMENT: 

To provide the equal opportunity for girls from diverse, lower socioeconomic environments the opportunity to train and compete at a USA Volleyball Junior Olympic level; to encourage teamwork, health, positive life skills, and academic achievement; to establish member clubs throughout the nation that are community-based and self-sustaining.

The Starlings believe in supporting the participation of girls in volleyball

• Girls that participate in sports are 92% less likely to get involved with drugs.

• Girls who participate in sports are 80% less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy.

• Girls who participate in sports are three time more likely to graduate from high school.

• Girls who participate in sports have a higher level of self esteem.

The sport of volleyball is ideal for the inner cities and rural areas of America—inexpensive, non-contact, and inherently a social game requiring communication and cooperation.  Girls playing volleyball in the United States outnumber boys, 12 to 1.  It is truly the “girl’s game” of America.