Superliga builds solid links with FIVB, AVC

THE PHILIPPINE Superliga (PSL) moves to make itself more up-to-date with the international game in its fourth year by building closer ties with the world volleyball federation (FIVB).

Superliga president Ramon Suzara said maintaining a solid bond with the FIVB and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) would further revitalize the sport in the country.

“A healthy relationship with both the FIVB and the AVC will enable us to send more teams [to international competitions] and to host more high-level tournaments that would be beneficial to the improvement and development of the sport here,” said Suzara, also the chair of the powerful development and marketing committee of the AVC.

“We are looking forward to another explosive year. Not just here, but also abroad.”

Because it is attuned to international standards, the PSL was tapped by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. to lead the formation of teams that vied in the AVC Asian Women’s Seniors Championship in Tianjin, China; the AVC Asian Men’s Club Championship in Taipei; and the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship in Phu Ly, Vietnam, last year.

The league also played a major role in the country’s hosting of the AVC Asian Women’s U-23 Championship and its participation in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore and the prestigious VTV International Women’s Volleyball Championship in Bac Lieu, Vietnam.

Suzara said the PSL may also be tapped to organize the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship in September and the FIVB World Women’s Club Championship in October.

“This is our own little way of helping the sport,” said Suzara.

PSL chair Philip Ella Juico said the tie-up with the FIVB and the AVC has boosted the league since its inception in 2013.

“By adhering to the rules and regulations of both the FIVB and AVC, the PSL has grown by leaps and bounds,” said Juico.

The league will form a team to the Thailand Super League on March 23 to 29 and host the Asian Women’s Club event on Sept. 3 to 11. The league has also organized a West Coast Road Tour in the United States from Sept. 16 to 25.