ORLANDO, Fla. – The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is set to host the world’s largest volleyball tournament from June 14 to July 4.
More than 100,000 athletes and coaches, representing 48 states, two U.S. territories, and six international countries (Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Sweden) will converge at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the 50th AAU Girls’ and Boys’ Junior National Volleyball Championships.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the 50th year of AAU’s largest sporting event right here in Orlando,” says Jo Mirza, AAU president and CEO. “Our event has grown exponentially since its beginnings in 1974, from 19 teams to more than 5,100. This growth wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteers and our invaluable community partnerships.”
The 21-day event is expected to bring approximately $256.7 million in economic impact to central Florida, according to Visit Orlando, based on an estimated 200,000 attendees. There will be 5,194 teams (966 boys and 4,228 girls), including more than 1,000 regional teams, participating in 57 divisions. It’s set to be the largest sporting event ever held at the OCCC—breaking its own record from 2022.
“We are excited to welcome back the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championship. Our continued partnership is a testament to the success and growth of youth sporting events at the OCCC,” says OCCC executive director Mark Tester. “This international tournament has become the largest event at the OCCC, and we are grateful for AAU’s continued confidence in our center.”
During the event, the AAU is partnering with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.
“Our organizations have partnered together for many years, and Orlando and the OCCC are the perfect hosts for this event as it continues to grow year after year,” says Jason Siegel, president and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “We’re excited to host the more than 100,000 participants and their families in our community, and we look forward to our continued partnership with AAU for years to come.”
The girls’ tournament, with divisions from 10U through 18U, will be up first from June 14-29, while the boys’ tournament, with divisions from 12U to 18U, will take the courts from July 1-4. Games will be streamed live on BallerTV, AAU Volleyball’s livestream partner.
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 16, 20, 24, and 28. For more information on the 2023 Dig Pink Campaign, click here.
