The 41^st annual AAU Girls’ Junior Volleyball National Championships are almost here! From June 16-24, teams from 44 states and 13 countries will participate in the LARGEST volleyball tournament in the world to date, according to Guinness World Records. Awarded that title in 2012, this year’s tournament will look to break that record, with 2,100 teams and almost 27,000 participants competing! Because of its size, this tournament will need TWO venues and 175 courts! Courts #1-18 will be at ESPN Wide World of Sports while the majority, courts #19-175, will be at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).

New for 2014: an International Division! Teams from Brazil, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Peru and Slovenia will compete for the International title AND there’s a special twist! The International Champion will then compete against the 18 Open Champion on ESPN3.com for the World Championship! The International 2^nd-8^th place finishers will also play the 18 Open 2^nd-8^th place finishers. In addition, teams from Puerto Rico, Canada, Finland, Colombia and the US Virgin Islands will be competing within other age divisions.

Also featured during the tournament is live web-streaming from OCCC each day, as well as many championship matches that will be broadcast live on ESPN3.com. You can find more information about which matches and what times HERE, as well as view the wave times and more information.

Don’t miss the Opening Celebration and Ceremony on June 16 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. This will be the largest yet and have a new format. Teams will have a staggered arrival for our Parade of Champions from 6:30-7:30. After the Parade of Champions, the Opening Celebration and Ceremony will include a DJ Dance Party, Radio Disney concert, giveaways & contests, food and beverage (for purchase), a LET IT GO sing-along from Disney’s Frozen and even more surprises! You won’t want to miss it. Be sure to check out what time your team is scheduled to arrive and helpful hints (like where to park!) à HERE!

Want to be recruited but need some guidance? Ready to start playing in the quickly growing sport of sand volleyball? Don’t miss our FREE seminars to all athletes, coaches, and parents. On June 22^nd at OCCC there will be TWO recruiting seminars at 10 AM and 2 PM as well as a sand volleyball seminar at 3:30PM. Bring your questions and learn from the best!

This week isn’t just about indoor volleyball. There will also be chances for sand volleyball players to show their skills! The Florida Super Regional for 12U and 14U will be held June 21 at Orlando Sports Center while the Florida Super Regional for 16U and 18U will be held June 25 at Cocoa Beach.

Get social with AAU Volleyball! Don’t forget to stay connected through social media and catch all of the AAU Volleyball Buzz! Receive helpful hints by following AAU Volleyball on our NEW Facebook page, The REAL AAU Volleyball, on Twitter @AAUVolleyball and on Instagram @aauvolleyball. Be sure to use the hashtag #AAUVBNatls when posting statuses, photos or videos during the event!

Now, there are even more opportunities for you to connect with us socially! Get involved with our new Photo Scavenger Hunt! We will provide you with a list of places to go and pictures to take, and there will be PRIZES for some, so be sure to keep an eye out on social media to find out! And you won’t want to miss our Social Media Lounge, located at the OCCC in the North Hall. Send ‘Hellos to Home’ to loved ones that couldn’t make the trip with you or create memories with our new photo booth! Interact with AAU Volleyball with chances for prizes and lots of fun photo opportunities!

And introducing the new AAU Volleyball APP! Stay tuned in with the 2014 AAU Girls’ Junior Volleyball National Championships.  Track your schedule and results.  See a full list of our special events and other fun interactive items within the APP.  Coming soon to the Apple Store – check it out!

This action-packed week of volleyball will surely be a tournament to remember. The AAU would like to extend the greatest of luck to all the teams competing and can’t wait to see who will take home the Gold in all divisions! Will it be YOU?!