Arvest supports Fort Smith volleyball program

Arvest Bank is renewing its support of the Fort Smith Juniors (FSJ) Volleyball program, which will help the club move into a new practice facility at 4721 Zero St. in Fort Smith.  With a new location, FSJ officials also have set a schedule for team tryouts (See schedule below).

Arvest has committed to a three-year, $5,000 a year sponsorship to support the program.

FSJ (www.fortsmithjuniors.com) was founded in 1994, and has enjoyed significant growth since that time, to include becoming a program that brings thousands of players and their families to the Fort Smith area.

In 2012, the club had 25 teams, with players ranging in age from 10 years to 18 years. The club also had a great 2012 season, with four teams qualifying to play in the National Championship Tournament in Columbus, Ohio. It was the first time in the club’s 15-year history that four teams qualified in the same year, and it means FSJ will send more teams to the National tournament than any other club in the Delta Region (Arkansas, northern Mississippi and western Tennessee).

“Arvest is excited about continuing our sponsorship with the Fort Smith Junior’s volleyball program. Arvest is committed to giving back to the community, and partnering with such a strong youth organization is a reflection of this commitment,” said Arvest Marketing Director Beth Presley. “Fort Smith Junior’s provide a competitive, creative learning environment for girls ages 9-18 in the River Valley and we are proud to be a sponsor.”

The Arvest sponsorship gives back in more ways than just club support. The economic impact of the club’s annual “Arvest Bank’s Battle at the Fort” volleyball tournament is likely to bring in more than $1 million.

According to club numbers, the 2012 Battle at the Fort brought in 174 teams (123 from outside the area) for a total of 1,827 participants. Tracking just gate fees, there were 3,683 paying spectators, bringing the total number to 5,510, for the tournament that was held Jan. 28-29 and Feb. 4-5.

In addition to the amount of participants, the club reported a total of 1,748 hotel rooms booked during both weekends of the event. At an average cost of $80 per night (Friday and Saturday) for a hotel room, the tournament would bring in close to $280,000 in lodging alone, before factoring in meals, fuel, shopping, and souvenirs.

The tournament also delivered $22,492 in revenue to the Fort Smith Convention Center.

Following is the schedule for tryouts for the 2013 year. (All tryouts other than those listed at Southside will be at 4721 Zero St.)  For more information visit www.fortsmithjuniors.com.

10-year-old
Nov. 5-6
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on court 1

11-year-old
Nov. 7-8
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on courts 1 & 2

12-year-old
Nov. 7-8
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on courts 2 & 3

13-year-old
Nov. 11
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on courts 1, 2 & 3

13-year-old
Nov. 13
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on courts 1, 2 & 3

14-year-old
Nov. 4
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on courts 2 & 3

Nov. 6
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

15-year-old
Nov. 5-6
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on courts 2 & 3

16-year-old
Nov. 12-13 (at Southside High School)
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

17-year-old
Nov. 11
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on courts 1 & 2

17-year-old
Nov. 13 (if needed)
8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on courts 1 & 2

18-year-old
Nov. 12
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on courts 1 & 2