AAU to Host World’s Largest Volleyball Tournament in Orlando
Event will include 117,000 athletes and coaches
Posted On: June 11, 2024 By :The Amateur Athletic Union will host the world’s largest volleyball tournament from June 13 through July 7 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The 51st AAU Girls’ and Boys’ Junior National Volleyball Championships will draw more than 117,000 athletes and coaches representing all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
“The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships are the premier event for AAU’s largest sport,” said Jo Mirza, AAU president. “Thanks to the incredible relationships we’ve built with our community partners, including the Orange County Convention Center, Greater Orlando Sports Commission and Visit Orlando, this has become one of the best amateur events in the world.”
There will be 5,865 teams (1,263 boys and 4,605 girls) participating in 67 divisions. It’s set to be the largest sporting event held at the OCCC, breaking last year’s record.
“It continues to be an honor to host the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships at the Orange County Convention Center,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “This premier event has significantly shaped the evolving landscape of youth sporting events at our facility. Witnessing its remarkable growth over the years has been truly inspiring and we deeply value the thriving relationship we have cultivated with AAU.”
The girls’ tournament, with divisions from 10U through 18U, will be from June 13–28. The boys’ tournament, with divisions from 12U to 18U, will take the courts from June 30 through July 7.
The 25-day event is expected to bring approximately $760.8 million in economic impact to Central Florida based on 300,000 estimated attendees, according to OCCC.
Beyond the court, the AAU is again partnering with the Side-Out Foundation as part of the AAU Cares initiative to raise money for breast cancer research through “Dig Pink” campaigns. All volleyball participants are encouraged to wear pink for AAU’s Dig Pink Days on June 14, 18, 22, 26, and July 1 and 5.
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