Three volleyball clubs are currently participating in the inaugural Matching Academics and Sports for All Athletes (MASAA) volleyball competition in Bauchi state.

According to Coach Monday Dada, Rhino Spikers of Jos, Yams of Gombe and Yelwa Spikers of Bauchi state will participate in the men and women’s category from 9th to 11th March, 2022.

Dada said the competition is aimed at combining sports and education together adding that no athlete can excel without adequate education.

He commended board member of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga for the initiative of sensitizing the young players.

He said, “The competition is to preach the gospel of combining education and sports together. All the athletes cannot compete forever; after competition or sustaining injury, what will be next for them to fall back at.

“This is why we are ensuring all the athletes are going to school while playing the game of volleyball. Most of the coaches you see in the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League and National Division 1 League were ones players. Some of the military and para military personnels also competed at various levels but after their careers were about to come to an end, education came to the rescue.

“I want to commend Major General TA Gagariga for organizing this competition for these teams. He is keying into the vision and mission of the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod and we hope other sports philanthropists engage the youths through sports.”

  MASSA volleyball competition, Volleyball