How Volleyball Academy Is Bringing Youth Volleyball to Every Neighborhood

By Rodrigo Gomes, Founder of Volleyball Academy

Across the country, families are looking for more ways to get kids moving, learning, and connecting — away from screens and closer to home. That’s exactly what Volleyball Academy was created to do.

Our mission is simple: make volleyball accessible, fun, and part of every community. Whether your child goes to a public school, plays in your neighborhood park, or lives in a local HOA, Volleyball Academy brings the joy of volleyball right to your backyard.

It All Started on a Beach in Brazil

My journey began on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My dad managed a volleyball net called Rede dos 40—“the net of 40,” where forty players rotated through games every weekend.

I was the kid shagging balls for the adults, dreaming of getting my turn to play. Eventually, I did—and from that moment, I was hooked. Volleyball gave me belonging, purpose, and joy.

That experience shaped how I see the sport today: volleyball should be part of everyday life, not something families have to travel far or pay big fees to access.

A New Way to Learn Volleyball

When I came to the U.S., I realized most volleyball programs started too late. Kids were joining clubs as teenagers, missing the chance to build confidence and skills early on.

That’s why we built Volleyball Academy—a place where kids as young as three can learn, play, and grow through volleyball in a supportive, structured, and fun environment.

Our classes are offered in elementary schools, daycares, parks, community centers, and HOA fields. Families don’t need to travel or commit to expensive club seasons. They just come, play, and fall in love with the game.

Our goal is to make volleyball as easy to find as a soccer field or a swimming lesson,” Rodrigo says. Every neighborhood should have a net.

Designed for Kids, Built for Families

Volleyball Academy’s programs are structured like early learning experiences in other sports — focusing on movement, teamwork, and fun before competition.

We draw inspiration from swimming schools for their structure, from soccer for their accessibility, and from pickleball for their energy and community.

Each program is led by trained directors and coaches who understand the most important lesson of all: kids learn best when they’re having fun.

Safe, Organized, and Community-Based

Behind every class is a thoughtful system designed for safety, consistency, and communication.

Every coach and director completes extensive training on:

• Child safety: Including CPR, SafeSport, and concussion certification.

• Culture: Building positive, inclusive environments for all families.

• Communication: Keeping parents informed through regular updates.

We want every parent to feel confident that their child is in good hands — not just learning volleyball, but growing as a person.

Bring Volleyball Academy to Your Neighborhood

If you’re a parent, teacher, or community organizer, you can help bring Volleyball Academy to your area.

We partner with:

• Schools and PTAs – for after-school or weekend volleyball classes.

• Pre-school and Daycare centers - for daytime child activities.

• HOAs – to host youth sports programs right in your neighborhood.

• Community centers and local parks – to make volleyball available to more families.

Whether it’s one court or five, indoors or on grass, we’ll handle the setup, equipment, staffing, and curriculum. You just help us connect with your local community.

You don’t need to be a coach or athlete to make an impact,” Rodrigo says. “If you’re a parent who believes in what volleyball can do for kids, you can help us bring it to your community.

A Movement for Active Kids

Volleyball Academy isn’t just about sports — it’s about helping kids rediscover play. We believe every child deserves the chance to move, laugh, and connect in real life — not just through a screen.

When kids play volleyball together, they build teamwork, resilience, and confidence that carry far beyond the court.

If we can make play normal again,” Rodrigo says, “we’ll be building stronger kids, families, and communities — one neighborhood at a time.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in bringing Volleyball Academy to your school, community, or neighborhood, we’d love to connect.

Visit volleyballacademy.com or email us at info@volleyballacademy.com to learn how to:

• Host a youth volleyball program at your local school or park.

• Partner through your HOA or PTA.

• Bring safe, fun volleyball experiences to kids near you.

  
  

Together, we can make volleyball part of every community in America — one court at a time.