Over 30 elementary students from four area schools (Bench, Collettville, Diamond Vale and Nicola Canford) reaped the benefits of a pilot program run for the first time in the local district.

The students, mostly from Grade 7, came together at Nicola Canford school each Wednesday afternoon for a month to further enhance and develop their volleyball skills under the guidance of several experienced coaches.

A breathless Nevin Sekhon prepares to set a teammate. Ian Webster/Herald

A breathless Nevin Sekhon prepares to set a teammate. Ian Webster/Herald

“It was completely optional,” said Lisa Nelson-Smith, a teacher at Nicola Canford and one of the program instructors along with Nicole Bouchard, Adrianne Moulind, Vince Kanigan and Aaron Cleaveley. “It was open to any student who was interested and willing to commit the time and effort after school.”

The focus of the first three sessions was exclusively skill development, while the final Wednesday (Dec. 4) was reserved for a mini-tournament.

“We wanted to try and better prepare the students for volleyball at the more advanced level — specifically at high school,” said Nelson-Smith.

The extra work with the enthusiastic young athletes seemed to pay immediate dividends. The quality of play at the mini-tournament was outstanding.