This year, the South Iredell Athletic Association's girls volleyball team faced a new opponent — the boys.
"There really wasn't that boys versus girls mentality — it's about the sport itself at this age," said Margie Decker, the SIAA co-commissioner for volleyball. "It's about teamwork and learning to work together, not spiking it over the net."
SIAA recently added boys volleyball to its roster of sports in response to growing interest from brothers watching their sisters play. This year, the team had eight players, in third through fifth grade.
"I think with the Olympics this summer, they boys got to experience seeing the pros and that really made them want the opportunity," Decker said. "They didn't have a problem playing inside the girls' structure, and I think with the visibility of the girls' league, there will be even more boy players next year."
SIAA doesn't just include volleyball — it also fields baseball, softball, football, basketball, cheer and T-ball teams.
No matter what the sport, though, the league's philosophy remains the same, Decker said.
"Since we are at a recreational level, we make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate," she said "We're not a group that sacrifices its players to win at any cost, but instead require our coaches to enforce equal play. I think it's important for children to feel like they make a difference in the way the game turns out."
Donna Moffett, current president of the SIAA, said she hopes children learn the basics and fundamentals while participating in the recreation division.
"My three children played sports while growing up and it's a great way to teach them how to deal with people and being a team," Moffett said. "It helps them learn perseverance and how to win and lose graciously, which is a great thing for a child."
Recreational sports can also help boost kids' self-esteem, Decker said.
"The kids gain confidence by building team skills and by learning sportsmanship," she said.
"Sportsmanship is a critical component in both sports and life. Sports also promote a healthier and more active lifestyle."
The association is non-profit, and through donations from the community and businesses, sponsors help the program give back to the local schools and fields that allow them to play.
'We use the Iredell-Statesville Schools facilities and county facilities, so when we receive contributions, we give back to them," Decker said. "We want to show our appreciation for their continued permission for the use of their fields."
Equipment, new fields and scoreboards are some of the things the SIAA has contributed to Brawley Middle School, Lake Norman Elementary, Woodland Heights and Mt Mourne, to name a few schools.
Decker encourages anyone interested in getting involved to go to their Web site, www.siaasports.com, to participate in their online registration.
"We invite anyone to join," she said. "I hope that we can introduce a sport to your child that they'll like."
To learn more:
Visit www.siaasports.com to learn more about the South Iredell Athletic Association. The site offers information on when and how to sign up for various sports, details on the programs offered and how to become a team sponsor.
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