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Mar 15
3

Volleyball Beach Spotlight: Dave Newkirk

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Volleyball Beach recently had the pleasure of hosting Paralympic athlete, Dave Newkirk. After Dave posted a video of himself practicing in our heated dome (see below), many of you were curious to know more about him and his story. We took the time to get to know more about Dave and the history behind his Instagram handle @Paralympic3.

Born without his left forearm and hand, Dave has been adapting his activities of daily living his entire life. Dave first started playing volleyball his Junior year of high school. It didn’t take long for him to become a, “volleyball addict,” as he puts it. He continued on to play volleyball at the open collegiate level at Texas Tech. It wasn’t long after that he began to play with a group of Paralympic level players.

Dave went on to compete in several world championships including three Paralympic Games in ’92, ’96 and ’00 for the Men’s US Standing Volleyball Team. After the Sydney 2000 Games, the governing ward of World ParaVolley decided to no longer pursue the standing game and focus solely on sitting volleyball. This took away the speed and athleticism that Dave loved so much about the game.

Dave & Team USA in Thailand

It wasn’t until the last five years that a resurgence of beach volleyball in para sports has occurred. For Dave, the resurgence was exactly what he was longing for. Dave now competes in one to two international tournaments a year representing the US, including an open tournament in Thailand were he and his team took Poland to a three-game final.

In February, Dave was selected to represent the United States in the Beach ParaVolley World Championship in China this May! With upcoming training camps beginning in April, Dave was ready to get his sand footing back and touch the ball. The one problem? Winter in Kansas City.

Thanks to our heated dome, open play from 4:00-6:00PM at Volleyball Beach was the perfect place for Dave to get some additional practice in before heading to the Oklahoma beaches to train for the World Championship. “I certainly appreciate Volleyball Beach opening up to me,” Dave said. We’re happy to have you, Dave!

Looking forward, Dave hopes to compete in Beach ParaVolley when it is reintroduced at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. “I’m old, but I still have about 5 to 10 years in me,” Dave jokingly stated.

Regardless, Dave is passionate about passing the skills he has taught himself on to the next generation of high-end athletes with adaptations. “I was that kid born in the early ‘70s without a forearm, I didn’t have all of these people to help me out back then. I just had to figure it out on my own,” said Dave. He is currently inspiring the next generation through public speaking, coaching and online forums for upper extremity adaptive training.

Everyone here at Volleyball Beach wants to extend a heart-felt, “Good luck,” to Dave. Our dome may be coming down, but our courts are always open for you!

Mar 14
0

Congratulations A League Winter Digs – Winter Session Winners!

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That’s a wrap! Just like that another exciting Winter Digs – Winter Session has come to an end, yet again proving there’s no better cure to the winter blues than bumping, setting and spiking with your toes in the warm sand.

As spring approaches and the Volleyball Beach Dome deflates for hibernation, we wanted to take the time to highlight the A League Winter Digs – Winter Session winners. The A League, also known as the power league, is the most competitive beach volleyball competition you’ll find in Kansas City.

“These guys are the best of the best,” says Volleyball Beach owner, Howard Barewin. He continued, “A League is a great league to be a part of if you’re ready to test your skills while also having a blast!”

From everyone here at Volleyball Beach, thank you to all of the skilled players who came out to play sand volleyball under the Dome this winter. Although the Dome may be coming down this can only mean one thing – the sunshine of Spring is coming up!

Now is the time to register for Spring League beginning March 31st!

There are still a few 9:15 PM time slots available at only $210 per team or take advantage of our new Happy Hour League. At only $120 per team, this half price 5:15 PM Wednesday league is perfect for those with a flexible schedule!

Click here to register and save your spot now!

Take a look at the gallery below to see some of our talented Winter Digs – Winter Session winners.

Feb 20
1

Spring League Registration is Open!

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Spring is right around the corner which can only mean one thing – Spring League registration at Volleyball Beach! Registration is now open on our League Sign Up page! This 9-week session begins March 31st and runs through May 31st.

Remaining available league play times:

  • Sunday 9:00 PM
  • Monday 6:15 PM
  • Monday 9:15 PM
  • Tuesday 9:15 PM
  • Wednesday 5:15 PM
  • Wednesday 9:15 PM
  • Thursday 9:15 PM
  • Friday 9:15 PM

End your evening by blowing off some steam, getting your exercise in and socializing with friends at Volleyball Beach! (9:15 isn’t that late people!) Or, start off your evening with our new Hump Day Happy Hour League – Wednesdays at 5:15! At $120 per team with a $40 deposit, this ½ price league is the perfect opportunity to see all Volleyball Beach has to offer.

If you’re an individual player looking for a team to join, or a team looking for an individual player – check out our Find a Player page. You can leave a post, browse posts and make team/player connections!

Don’t miss out on all of the fun at Volleyball Beach! Click here to sign up for spring league today!

Feb 11
0

Spring League Registration Opens February 14th!

By | Blog

Winter Digs – Winter Session may be wrapping up soon, but this can only mean one thing – spring is coming! As The Dome comes down, we can’t wait to transition back to sunshine and fresh spring air after a particularly cold and icy winter.

Set your alarms – Spring League registration opens Thursday, February 14th (Valentine’s Day) promptly at 9:00 AM on our League Sign Up page! This 9-week session begins March 31st and runs through May 31st.

New to the Volleyball Beach family? Please be aware fall teams have until February 12th to reserve their spots for spring. Remaining time slots will fill up quickly – so get your team locked in and be ready to register at 9:00 AM on February 14th!

If you’re an individual player looking for a team to join, or a team looking for an individual player – check out our Find a Player page. You can leave a post, browse posts and make team/player connections!

NEW: Hump Day Happy Hour League – Wednesdays at 5:15! At $120 per team with a $40 deposit, this ½ price league is the perfect opportunity to see all Volleyball Beach has to offer. While you’re here – take advantage of our Beachside Bar and Grill Happy Hour: ½ price appetizers and drinks daily from 4-6PM!

We can’t wait to see you at The Beach!

Jan 25
0

NEW: Hump Day Happy Hour Spring League!

By | Blog

With the bitter cold Kansas City air around us, it may be hard to believe, but spring is right around the corner! This can only mean one thing – Spring League at Volleyball Beach! League play begins March 31st and registration for this 9-week session opens February 14th at 9:00 AM on our Play Now page.

This season, we have an exciting new Happy Hour League for those of you who don’t work a 9AM-5PM. On February 14th, sign up for our Hump Day Happy Hour League – Wednesdays at 5:15! At $120 per team with a $40 deposit, this ½ price league is the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, stick your toes in the sand and play the best game known to man!

If you’re an individual player looking for a team to join or a team looking for an additional player – check out our Find a Player page. You can leave a post, browse through posts and make team/player connections!

While you’re here, don’t forget to take advantage of our Beachside Bar and Grill Happy Hour specials – ½ price appetizers and drinks from 4-6PM!

Don’t let anyone “beach” you to it – sign up for Volleyball Beach’s Hump Day Happy Hour League on February 14th!

Jan 17
5

Volleyball Beach Spotlight: Michael Sylvara

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Michael Sylvara is a name heard often around Volleyball Beach! Known for hosting exciting tournaments including the Halloween Costume Tournament and Ugly Christmas Sweater Tournament, one thing is for sure – Michael knows how to take the game to the next level! We took the time to get to know a little more about the man behind the tournaments.

Michael & Team!

Growing up in South Kansas City, Michael became aware of Volleyball Beach at a young age. After playing some pick-up games during our free play sessions, Michael began to fall in love with sand volleyball. In 2015, he decided to officially sign up for a league and has held his Tuesday 7:00-8:00 PM spot ever since!

Michael has always enjoyed playing in tournaments at Volleyball Beach, exclaiming, “Playing sand volleyball all day with family and friends is hard to beat!” The only issue? When winter hit, the majority of tournaments ended until spring. Always taking the opportunity to host parties with family and friends, for Michael, it was a no brainer to put on tournaments during the fall and winter months to get everyone together for some positive fun!

When Michael isn’t tearing up the sand volleyball court, you can find him working in Real Estate or running his non-profit corporation, Challengers Farm – focusing on honeybees and tomatoes with an emphasis on challenges of the future. “I’m very passionate about the well-being of our community, state and nation,” said Michael.

Michael and His Volleyball Beach Family!

When asked his favorite thing about Volleyball Beach, Michael’s answer did not come as a surprise. “There are so many great things about Volleyball Beach, but number one is the people.” Michael continued, “It’s like a family. Come as you are and be yourself. It’s a one-of-a-kind place!”

We’re so glad you found us, Michael! From everyone here at Volleyball Beach, thank you for always bringing fun and excitement to the courts. We love having you as a part of our family!

Ready to become a member of our Volleyball Beach family like Michael? Spring League registration opens February 14th promptly at 9:00 AM.

Don’t miss out on your chance to join in on the fun!

Jan 09
0

B League Winter Digs – Holiday Session Winners!

By | Blog

Just like that another successful Winter Digs – Holiday Session has come to an end – proving once again there’s no better cure for the winter blues than some competitive beach-time fun in the sand! All of us here at Volleyball Beach want to thank the awesome players who came out to play under the dome this Holiday Session!

As we wrap up the Holiday Session and move on to the Winter Session, we want to give a special shout out to our B league Holiday Session winners! A step up from recreational, our intermediate B league is the perfect play level for those with sand volleyball experience, without the pressure of the power players in A league.

Volleyball Beach owner, Howard Barewin, said, “I was very impressed by the competition the B league brought this session. If you’re looking to improve your skills, while also having a blast, this league is perfect for you!”

Ready to become a member of our Volleyball Beach family? Winter Digs – Winter Session has just begun – with limited 9:15 PM play times still available! Click here to contact us for more information.

Mark your calendars and set your alarms – Spring League registration opens February 14th promptly at 9:00 AM! Click here to view league times and pricing. See you at The Beach!

Check out our B league Winter Digs – Holiday Session winners in the gallery below!

Dec 21
0

HURRY! Sign Up for Winter Digs – Winter Session!

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Spots are quickly filling up for Winter Digs – Winter Session in the Dome! The 9-week session begins January 3rd, so round up your team and claim your spot before it’s too late!

Available league play times:

  • Sunday 9:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:15 pm
  • Friday 9:15 pm

Click here to sign up!

No team? No problem! We’ve got you covered with our Find a Player page! You’ll be connected with other players looking to build their team. Don’t miss out on your chance to spend the cold winter months with your toes in the warm sand!

Active Duty, Veteran or First Responder? Sign up for one of the open league times and pay NO LEAGUE FEE with proof of ID! All you have to do is register your team with deposit and show your proof of ID at check in the first night of league play to have your portion of the team fee waived. Thank you for all you do!

Hang up your winter coats, throw on your lucky shorts, kick off your shoes and we’ll see you in our heated dome at The Beach!

Dec 05
0

Registration for Winter Digs – Winter Session is Open!

By | Blog

That’s right, registration for Winter Digs – Winter Session is now open! Spots are filling up quickly, so sign up now before it’s too late! This 9-week session in the dome begins January 3rd and runs through March 6th.

Check out the new Volleyball Beach Snapchat filter featuring the dome!

Available league play times:

• Monday 9:15 pm
• Tuesday 9:15 pm
• Wednesday 9:15 pm
• Thursday 9:15 pm
• Friday 9:15 pm

Active Duty, Veteran or First Responder? Sign up for one of the above league times and pay NO LEAGUE FEE with proof of ID! Simply register your team with deposit, show your proof of ID at check in the first night of league play and have your portion of the team fee waived!

Click here to sign up today!

We can’t wait to see you at KC’s favorite place to play volleyball – Volleyball Beach!

Dec 01
2

FREE League Play for Military and First Responders!

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Military or First Responder? Volleyball Beach wants to show you just how much we appreciate all you do. Sign up for a Winter Digs – Winter Session league and receive NO LEAGUE FEE with proof of ID.

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Courtney Richardson

Simply register your team with deposit and show your proof of ID at the check in desk on your first night of play to have your portion of the team fee waived!

We can’t think of a better way to disconnect from the stress that comes with the job than by kicking off your shoes, putting your toes in the sand and playing some beach volleyball!

Registration opens Monday, December 3rd at 9:00 am! The 9-week Winter Digs – Winter Session in the heated dome begins January 3rd and runs until March 6th. Register Here!

To all Military, Police, Firemen and EMS – from all of us here at Volleyball Beach, thank you!

UPDATE: With a total of 80 players, we look forward to providing free league play for all military and first responders each Winter Digs – Winter Session!