Super Liga volleyball launched July 7

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Super Liga Invitationals, a new volleyball club league aimed at providing players a venue after their collegiate years, kicks off July 7 with a banner field expected to see action at the Philsports Arena.

SportsCore, a sports event and management group founded by several of the country’s seasoned sports events managers and organizers, is putting up the league in partnership with Solar Sports, the country’s top sports entertainment provider.

Volleyball has gained headway in recent years with the successful programs by the UAAP and NCAA with the Shakey’s V-League reviving the sport in 2004 with year-long tournaments. But SportsCore saw the need for a club destination for the athletes who have finished their collegiate playing years.

“SportsCore will try to raise the level of competition in the sport with the Philippine Super Liga, the very first club volleyball league in the Philippines,” said Ian Laurel, PSL Invitational commissioner and SportsCore vice president. “We hope the PSL will be the next venue that allows players to develop high-level skills in a local setting that conforms to the international standards of the sport.”

Laurel also noted that there has been a huge decline in high-level volleyball competitions in the last 10 years, proof of which is the absence of national teams available for international competitions despite the flourishing commercial and school-based volleyball leagues which have gained huge followings the past decade or so.

“Volleyball is the most watched event in the Olympics. It is one of the most popular sports in the world. The Philippines must pounce on the advances gained by the sport and make itself a powerhouse at least in the region,” Laurel said.

Other backers of the league are the Philippine Sports Commission, the San Juan Arena, Healthway Medical, LGR outfitter, Lenovo, Vibram Five Fingers, Pagcor and Mikasa. The league is sanctioned by the Philippine Volleyball Federation.