Youth Volleyball Club in Des Plaines, IL — Girls & Boys
Youth Volleyball Club
Small rosters. Two coaches on every court. Measurable player development.
A True Academy — the European Way
In Europe, the word academy means one thing: long-term player development. It means learning every aspect of the game and preparing for lasting success — not chasing this weekend’s trophy. In the United States, “academy” appears in many club names, but the training behind it doesn’t always match the word. At BVA Lions, it does.
Fundamentals first, everyone learns everything. In our gym, every libero learns to set and every setter is coached to receive and attack. We specialize players in certain practices and during tournaments — never for the entire practice season. That’s how Europe develops professionals, and it’s how we develop young athletes who succeed in high school and beyond.
The program is created and led by Master Coaches Boyan Petev and Simeon Mladenov — club owners who played high-level volleyball in Bulgaria — together with program lead David Stalev.
Volleyball Season Highlights
At BVA Lions Volleyball Academy, we believe in development through quality, not quantity. Let your daughter grow her game in an environment built for progress and passion.
3–4 practices per week for consistent, high-level training
Two coaches per team for real-time corrections and personalized attention
No standing in lines — every athlete stays active and engaged
Maximum ball contacts to boost confidence and sharpen skills
Individual improvement plan tailored for each player
Teams 26/27 Season
Girls Program
G12U Aspire
Born after July 1, 2014
Aug–Dec fundamentals program · no tournaments · pure development
$1,300
G13U Elite
Born after July 1, 2013
Aug–mid-March · WCPL or CVL tournaments · Sunday positional included
$3,000
G14U Elite
🏆 Top 10 in Illinois two years in a row
Born after July 1, 2012
Aug–mid-June · WCPL 14U Open · AAU Nationals Orlando
$3,800
G15U Elite
Born after July 1, 2011
Nov–mid-June · Saturday positional included · AAU Nationals Orlando
$3,800
Girls Mid-Season Tryouts — 26/27 Season
Our 14U girls teams are looking for Middle Blockers and Pin Hitters (Outside or Opposite). G15U Elite (girls born after July 1, 2011, incl. HS freshmen) holds makeup tryouts Oct 26, 29 & 31 — dates, locations & registration here.
Join mid-season: girls can join our 12U–14U teams through a 3-practice evaluation ($50) — your daughter trains as a full participant with the team while our coaches assess movement, attitude and skills. After the third practice you receive a decision by email. Roster spots are limited.
Read about all five girls teams and how the evaluation works on the Girls Program page.
Boys Program
Boys Mid-Season Tryouts — 26/27 Season
Join mid-season: boys born after July 1st, 2012 (13U & 14U — 7th & 8th grade) can join through a 3-practice evaluation ($50). Your son trains as a full participant alongside our current players — after the third practice, our coaching staff makes a decision and you are notified by email. Roster spots are limited.
Full details and both boys teams on the Boys Program page.
Club Achievements
Our youth boys program has fielded a Top 5 ranked team in the Open division four years in a row — all BVA-grown and trained athletes. On the girls side, our 14U Elite has ranked Top 10 in Illinois two years in a row (as 12U and 13U). BVA teams set the standard for youth volleyball development in the northwest suburbs.
Season 25/26
Girls 13U
Top 10 in Illinois
Season 25/26
Boys 14U
Top 5 in Illinois — Open division
Season 24/25
Boys 14U
Regional Champions
Season 24/25
Girls 12U
4th in WCPL — Open division
Season 24/25
Boys 12U 2nd in Illinois · Boys 13U 3rd in Illinois
Season 23/24
Boys 14U
Top 20 in USA — 2024 AAU Nationals, Orlando FL
Season 23/24
Boys 14U 3rd in Illinois · Boys 12U 2nd in Illinois
Season 22/23
Boys 12U 3rd in Illinois · Boys 13U 3rd in Illinois
Why Choose BVA Lions for Your Child's Volleyball Journey
Improvement Over Results
We prioritize long-term development over short-term wins. Our practices focus on teaching proper technique and fundamentals. Every player learns to pass, set, and hit—regardless of their position in competition. During tournaments, athletes may play assigned roles, but most are trained to perform in multiple positions.
Trained Coaches
Our coaching staff is constantly learning and improving through ongoing education. We maintain a low 6:1 player-to-coach ratio, ensuring every athlete receives individual attention, feedback, and support during each practice.
3 - 4 Practices Per Week
Young athletes need consistent training to grow. That’s why our teams practice 3–4 times weekly. We believe more court time is more valuable than frequent travel tournaments, especially for players 14U and younger.
No Playing Time Guranteed
Playing time is earned through effort, discipline, and commitment—not guaranteed. We focus on building a team-first mindset where players push each other to grow. Every athlete earns their opportunity by showing up and working hard.
Aspire Pathway — Build the Foundation
In our Aspire program, young and inexperienced athletes work closely with our top coaches to build a strong technical foundation and develop essential ball control skills.
At this age, coordination and physical readiness are often limited, so we dedicate significant time to improving mobility, flexibility, and agility.
Because ball control drills can sometimes feel repetitive or frustrating for beginners, we use engaging, game-like activities and emphasize small-court play such as 4 vs. 4 “mini volleyball,” a format widely embraced in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Our focus is not on winning games, but on fostering a love for volleyball, building a strong work ethic, and creating a positive team culture that sets the stage for long-term development.
Elite Pathway — Compete With the Best
Our 12–14-year-old program is designed to provide a comprehensive volleyball education tailored to beginners and developing athletes with 1–2 years of experience.
At this stage, we build strong technical fundamentals, develop game understanding, and instill a disciplined work ethic through structured, high-repetition training. Each group has two dedicated coaches to ensure that all players, including those who need extra attention, receive the guidance they need to grow.
The season runs for 10 months, beginning with outdoor preseason training in late August, emphasizing mobility, agility, and strength. Once the indoor season begins in September, teams practice three times a week.
BVA Lions is a small volleyball club that offers individual attention to each player, allowing for a more tailored approach to volleyball training and development.
Unique Methodology for Comprehensive Skill Development
Our unique methodology blends the best of North American, South American, and European volleyball styles to help players develop a well-rounded skill set and a love for the game. We prioritize player improvement throughout the season, helping each athlete reach their full potential on the court.
We Are Hiring Coaches
If you are passionate about the sport, eager to make a difference, and ready to step into a rewarding role, we would love to hear from you.
Maximize Your Talent
Join BVA's Elite Volleyball Training Program in Des Plaines, IL Area
We are dedicated to providing high-quality training and equal development opportunities to young athletes of all backgrounds.
As a small volleyball club with limited spots, we are trying to attract talented young athletes and offer them well-organized training processes in a competitive environment.
At BVA Lions, we prioritize player improvement and competition for positions during practice Therefore, coaches do not guarantee play time in tournaments.
What to Expect From Our Volleyball Training Program
Player Improvement
At BVA Lions, we prioritize player improvement by focusing on fundamentals and techniques through various drills and exercises. This allows us to build a strong foundation that enhances players’ abilities and helps them in a long term.
Investing in Our Coaches for Your Child's Success
We understand the importance of having highly skilled and knowledgeable coaches. That’s why we invest in our coaches by providing ongoing training and requiring them to attend seminars. Keeping our coaches up-to-date with the latest techniques and strategies ensures that our athletes receive the best possible instruction and support.
Our commitment to coach development helps create a positive and effective learning environment for all our players.
Tracking Progress: Player Evaluations 3× Per Season, With Individual Reports
We regularly test our athletes on their volleyball skills and physical condition to track their progress and improvement. By analyzing the data, we can tailor our training plans to suit each player’s unique needs and abilities.
From Practice to Performance: How We Allocate Playing Time
Playing time is earned through hard work and dedication during practice. While we give all players equal opportunity to improve and train, we cannot guarantee equal tournament playing time.
Our goal is to create a competitive environment where young athletes understand that hard work beats talent.
We encourage our players to embrace the challenge of competition and strive to perform at their best on the court.
Ultimately, our focus is on developing well-rounded players who embody the values of teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game.
Expert-Recommended Sports Gear For Optimal Performance
Member of Bulgarian Midwest Chamber of Commerce
Together with the Bulgarian Midwest Chamber of Commerce, we are building a stronger future, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth.
