KASUNOD ng matagumpay na women’s volleyball tournament, ililinya na ng Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association ang pagdaraos ng unang men’s volleyball league kung saan pagtutuunan ng pansin ang paghahanap ng mga homegrown talents na may potential na maging bahagi ng Alas Pilipinas – Men’s Volleyball Team.

Ayon kay MPVA Commissioner Mike Tuvera, malaki ang maitutulong ng nasabing torneo upang mahikayat ang mga LGUs na gumawa ng programa para makatuklas ng mga susunod na volleyball stars mula sa grassroots level.

“Ito talaga is our door-opener for the LGU players na hindi naglalaro sa collegiate, this is another window for them show the tryouts, but now as we going to be national next year. Its a wide open door for the next [generation] of volleyball players.”, sinabi ni Tuvera sa lingguhang Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

Magiging home-and-away ang format ng nasabing liga na inihahalintulad sa mga ibang liga na inorganisa ni National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Manny Pacquiao gaya ng MPBL, WMPBL, MPVA Women’s at MPPT.

“Were planning to November 14 in Binan, Laguna. Double round robin, will be ending by end of January. This is a home-and-away program and every city and LGU will host the games.”, wika pa niya.

“Our men’s league, iniba ang program, more on homegrowns to date, dati konti lang now 12-14 homegrown players, and 2 guest players.”

Para kay MPVA at ACES President Doctor Ian Laurel, tamang panahon na para sa kanila magkaroon ng liga upang lumawak ang audience pagdating sa men’s volleyball.

“This is right time to do it. Maganda ang liga. This is the connection we really to achieve, the fans, the community and the sport.”, huling sambit niya.

Kabilang sa mga koponan na magiging bahagi ng unang season ay ang defending MPVA women’s volleyball champions na Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Biñan, Caloocan, Marikina, Nasipit, Negros Oriental, Rizal at San Juan.

Nagpapasalamat din ang MPVA sa suporta ng Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) na tutulong sa talent identification at sa officiating pati na sa Strong Group Athletics na isa sa mga top backers nito. By Gab Ferreras