Because volleyball is a sport that does require some degree of dexterity and some physicality, we customarily recommend kids start in the Lite when they reach 3rd grade. However, 2nd graders are allowed to participate in the Lite if the athlete meets certain criteria.

It is recommended that 2nd graders only participate in the Lite if the following are accurate:

(1) the athlete has strong coordination and/or movement skills;
(2) the athlete has shown a strong interest in volleyball; and
(3) it is the Winter or Spring session of the Lite Program.

We do not recommend 2nd graders start in the summer before or fall of their second grade year. Starting your daughter in volleyball before she is ready just in simple terms of her physical growth - particularly dexterity and strength - can overwhelm her, lead to an anxious first experience, and short circuit her volleyball days before they can even begin.

3rd grade is often times a great time to start in the Lite Program. The Lite is designed to be a stepping stone program that builds skills and gets girls excited about volleyball, without a massive commitment of time or dollars. The program is reasonable and affordable, and the perfect place to start. Your 3rd grader will likely fall in love with volleyball.

Note: not all 3rd graders are ready to start the Lite. This is perfectly fine, if your daughter is not ready to start. She will not be behind if she starts later than 3rd grade. You know your kid best. You can also speak to the Director of the location you are looking into to see if the timing is right for your daughter. We will help you!

Note: it is possible your daughter, if she begins in the Lite Program as a 3rd grader, will want to make the transition to playing on a team as a 4th grader. It is not too early to do so; many of our top players on our high-level club teams across all age levels began on teams as 4th graders. However, there are also many kids who continue with the Lite as 4th graders before jumping to teams as a 5th grader. Either path is a good one; again, we are happy to help guide you!

Absolutely, your 4th grade daughter should start playing volleyball in the Lite Program. There is usually a mixture of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in the Lite Program; 4th grade is a good time to start.

The usual progression for a 4th grader who begins the Lite is to participate in a few sessions of the Lite, and then transition to playing on an introductory youth team as a 5th grader. While it is totally fine for kids to stay in the Lite for 4th and 5th grades, you might find your daughter wants to make the jump into actual competitive team play after a few sessions.

5th graders have a few different options when it comes to getting started in volleyball, and it is good to understand those options as you decide what to do with your daughter. The first thing to think about is what time of the year it is, as follows:

- Summer Before 5th Grade ... If it is the Summer (June-Aug) before your 5th grade year in elementary school, your daughter should begin the Lite Program right away. You will have a pair of Lite Sessions (Summer and Fall) before you can make a decision about continuing in the Lite Program or possibly joining an introductory team that practices and plays in competition.

- Fall ... If it is Fall (Sept-Nov) of your 5th grade year in elementary school, your daughter should jump into the Fall Session of the Lite Program, as well as look into potentially joining a few of our Pre-Tryout Clinics in September and early October. Your daughter will have the option to join one of our introductory youth teams or continue with the Lite through 5th grade.

- Winter/Spring ... If it is Winter (Dec-Feb) or Spring (Mar-May) of your 5th grade year in elementary school, your daughter should absolutely begin the Lite Program right away. It is not too late to start, but you definitely want to get started.

Note: Club Tryouts for introductory youth teams are held annually the first weekend in October. There might also be some space that remains after tryouts. It is worthwhile for 5th graders to consider trying out for an introductory youth team. It is an excellent time to make the transition into team play.

If you need guidance, please contact the Director of the location you are interested in. We are happy to help!

The Lite Program is largely for elementary school athletes in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. However, 6th graders are allowed to participate in the Lite when certain conditions are met.

Indeed, it is actually recommended that rising 6th Graders - rising, as in kids entering 6th grader in the upcoming or newly begun school year - participate in the Lite for the Summer and Fall sessions (June through early October). 6th graders are encouraged to attend the Lite for these sessions only, Summer and Fall.

For 6th graders looking to join the Winter, Spring, or Holiday Special sessions (November through May), it is highly recommended those athletes participate in the LAVA Juniors program instead. Click here to visit the Juniors Program homepage.

We have more information and a slew of Frequently Asked Questions on the primary Lite Info Page. Please click here to visit the Lite Home Page.

You can also reach out to our staff by emailing us at lite@lavacademy.com.

Yes, we also have Youth Boys Programs. Certain locations offer Youth Boys training under the SMBC Boys banner. Please click here to visit the Boys Youth page.

Additionally, youth boys are allowed to participate in the LAVA Lite Program in certain situations. Feel free to speak to the Director of the location you are interested in to sign your 3rd-5th grade son up for the Lite, as well.