The new volleyball program at French Creek Family YMCA will continue at least through December, according to Wellness Director Diane Hallagan. (Martin McConnell – The Morning Journal)
Diane Hallagan wanted two things at the French Creek Family YMCA, 2010 Recreation Lane in Avon: more intergenerational programming, and more volleyball.
Hallagan, health director at the French Creek YMCA, said putting the volleyball in the facility’s pool was the perfect solution.
The first volleyball games at the Avon location were held Dec. 7, Hallagan said.
The program will continue at least through December, and potentially longer depending on how much momentum the program receives.
“We really wanted to bring a new program to the YMCA that would be intergenerational,” Hallagan said. “So, (it’s) for all ages really.
“This is an adult program, but we will use it for youth programs as well.”
According to Hallagan, the facility’s maintenance team has installed a volleyball net that can float on water and will be about the size of a small YMCA pool.
During the test run, Hallagan noted that the first game was fun and very competitive.
She said perhaps the most important element was not only that both sides were having fun, but that the game was accessible to people with limited mobility.
“This allows people with limited mobility to also participate in this activity,” Hallagan said. “The most important thing is that it’s competitive, and it’s fun too…that’s what the Y is really all about, making it accessible to everyone.
“You don’t have to be an athlete to participate in this program.”
The pool volleyball program is one of two new volleyball programs introduced at the French Creek YMCA this year, Hallagan said.
Chair volleyball has also been a big hit, especially with older participants who may have limited mobility, she said.
“It really allows people with limited mobility (to participate), even if they’re in a wheelchair,” Hallagan said. “They can participate and have that sense of community as well. That’s Monday afternoon at 12:30 p.m.”
Hallagan said the turnout for the Dec. 7 program was the best she could ask for.
While the group is still working out some kinks in the software itself, the proof of concept has successfully passed initial tests, she said.
“I was hoping so,” Hallagan said. “I was really hoping there would be 10 (players).
“We need five people on each side. Really, 12 is an ideal number because you can rotate, so we’re really looking at about 12. I would say, if you could get 20 people in this league, that would be great.”
Hallagan said pool volleyball matches will be held Wednesday morning.
However, she said the group may add more weekly dates and times in the future.
More information is available at clevelandymca.org.