COVID-19 IMPACT ON THE UPCOMING SEASON

Because of the uncertainty of the upcoming season, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Downstate will start the season with a "Training Only" format. We will be forming our team groups similar to last year, with National, Regional, and Aspire programs.  While we will start the season with training only, and have set our prices accordingly, we have high hopes that we will be able to compete against other teams, at both local 1-day tournaments and overnight travel events.  Please read below for more detailed information on the differences between the programs, and what we will be doing to make the environment as safe as possible during the season.

Downstate National Teams

The goal for Downstate National Teams has always been to both train and compete at the highest level possible. While we are uncertain about how tournaments will unfold for the coming year, we do know that we want to be as prepared as possible!  With that in mind, we are setting up for our always elite level of training for a highly talented group of young athletes that endeavor to reach to pinnacle of competitive junior volleyball.

Highlights of the program include:

  • 3 practices a week, each 2 hours long.
  • 6 months of training, beginning the week after Thanksgiving and continuing through the Memorial Day weekend.
  • Approximately 140 practice hours.
  • 1-2 highly trained coaches, many with collegiate experience and state and national championships on their resume.
  • Match statistics are tracked and recorded for every tournament.
  • All tournaments are filmed for use by the athletes during the college recruiting process and for training and review with the coaching staff.
  • Normally competes in the GEVA Power League at the highest Open level of competition.
  • 5 local tournaments (see note 1).
  • 5 multi-day travel tournaments, such as Capitol Hill Classic, NorthEast Qualifier, and East Coast Championships (see note 2).
  • Extensive college recruiting support, including a new program utilizing connectvolleyball.com to expand on the resources and assistance available.

These teams are only offered at the Downstate Athletic Center, in Peekskill.

Downstate Regional Teams

After a successful, albeit shortened, pilot for a regional travel program during the 2019-2020 season, Downstate has decided to expand the program this year. We are offering the program to more age groups and extending the practice times.  Also, by popular request, we are also adding our extensive support and resources for the college recruiting effort!

Highlights of the program include:

  • 2 practices a week, each 2 hours long.
  • 5 months of training, beginning the week after Thanksgiving and continuing through the end of April.
  • Approximately 80 practice hours.
  • Experience coaching staff, that has coaches and/or played the game at a high level. Generally 1 coach per team.
  • Match statistics are tracked and recorded for every tournament.
  • All tournaments are filmed for use by the athletes during the college recruiting process and for training and review with the coaching staff.
  • Normally enters the GEVA Power League Play-in to qualify for Power League.
  • 5 local tournaments (see note 1).
  • 3 multi-day travel tournaments, such as Winterfest and Great Nor'Easter (see note 2).
  • Extensive college recruiting support, including a new program utilizing connectvolleyball.com to expand on the resources and assistance available.

We are not planning to run Regional teams at Somers. If there is enough demand, we would consider doing so!
(does not include travel related expenses)

Downstate Aspire Teams

Downstate's Aspire program is designed for those athletes that enjoy the training, and camaraderie of team sports. These are often athletes that are seeking to make a high school team or want to improve their skills to be more of an impact player. While players are still expected at practices (and tournaments), it's a more relaxed environment than our higher level National and Regional teams.

Highlights of the program include:

  • 2 practices a week, each 1.5 hours long.
  • 5 months of training, beginning the week after Thanksgiving and continuing through the end of April.
  • Approximately 60 practice hours.
  • All coaches are IMPACT certified and undergo extensive training with Downstate, as well as work with our Aspire program Technical Director.
  • 5-8 "Club" level local tournaments (see note 1).

Season Pricing: $1,695 (14s-17s)
Season Pricing: $1,295 (12s-13s)

Note 1: Due to restrictions and uncertainties related to COVID-19, we are unable to determine the cost, format, or availability of local tournaments. If and when tournaments become available, the cost to attend them will be divided among the team members as an additional charge. For point of reference, last season, tournament entry fees were up to $350 per day.  We will also add a charge for coaches time, travel and meal expenses.

Note 2: Most of the major multi-day tournaments that Downstate has attended in the past have published dates and reserved convention centers. However, much uncertainty remains regarding formats and cost.  As such, we will publish a detailed travel expense invoice 2-4 weeks in advance of tournaments and all team members will be expected to pay their share. These costs typically include tournament entry fees and the time and travel expenses for the coaching staff. Because of the pandemic, parents are responsible for booking a hotel room at the specified venue and athletes will stay with their parents. Because of this, invoiced travel expenses are expected to be significantly lower than in seasons past.

Note 3: The 18s teams will play a shortened season that will end at the end of March, unless the team qualifies and chooses to attend a National Championship, which could extend the season.