WORCESTER—When the Worcester Volleyball Blazers play, no one sits on the sidelines. The club volleyball program is open to those ages 2 to young adult, and “open” is the key word here.
All young people, including those with special needs and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, are welcome and encouraged to participate.
“The idea is to get kids involved and exercising,’’ said former special education teacher Susan Dunshee, founder and coach of the program. “Maybe they’ll love it; maybe they’ll just play in their backyard.’’
But they will have the chance to play, to learn, and to socialize, she said.
She was inspired to create the league through her experiences as a special education teacher. “I saw so many special needs kids who were not involved in sports.’’
That is not the case with the Blazers, she said.
If accommodations are needed—using a beach ball instead of a harder volleyball or lowering the net—they will be made, Dunshee said.
For youngsters who might feel out of the mainstream, the chance to play can make a profound difference, she said.
“Kids may not be athletic, but they can still be part of the team,’’ she said.
Team members don’t necessarily have to play to participate, she noted. Photos need to be taken and logos designed, for example. Some youngsters can keep score or simply cheer their team on.
She wants her team members to “have fun, enjoy the relationships they build with other youths, and learn skills that will allow them to play volleyball for the rest of their lives,’’ according to the team’s description on their Web site. “The Blazers is focused on building a solid foundation, teaching technical skills, strength, agility, confidence, commitment and a passion for the game.’’
The club has partnered with Open Sky Community Services, a Worcester-based organization that provides services to more than 5,000 adults, including young adults and youths with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, brain injury, substance use disorders or other challenges. The organization also offers services and support for LGBTQIA+ youths ages 14 to 23.
The Blazers use the Open Sky gym on Mann Street and Dunshee is working to encourage more Open Sky clients to participate.
She knows that sports can be expensive. But the Blazers have reached out to local sponsors to keep costs down and to provide scholarships for team members who need financial assistance, she said. UniBank and bankHometown have provided financial sponsorship.
She is also open to young people who might want to serve as mentors to her players.
No matter the level of participation, the ultimate goal is not the final score but the camaraderie and teamwork each game brings.
“Just being part of a sport and feeling welcome can be life-saving,’’ she said.
To learn more visit https://worcblazers.com/
