Programs

From historic 9-Man volleyball to year-round youth clinics, our programs are designed to inspire, teach, and build community through sport. Whether you're a first-time player or a seasoned athlete, there's a place to grow with the NY Strangers.

9-Man Program

Our 9-Man program runs from May to September, with tryouts held in April. The team trains and competes throughout the summer, culminating in participation at the North American Chinese Invitational Volleyball Tournament (NACIVT) and other “Mini” tournaments.

For more information or to join the program, please contact:
mensprogram@nystrangers.org

Women’s Program

Our women’s program runs from May to September, with tryouts held in March. The team trains and competes throughout the summer, culminating in participation at the North American Chinese Invitational Volleyball Tournament (NACIVT) and other “Mini” tournaments.

For more information or to join the program, please contact:
womensprogram@nystrangers.org

Youth Clinics

We offer year-round volleyball and basketball clinics for youth ages 8–17, with levels for beginners and intermediate players. Each 6-week session is led by current and former Strangers athletes who mentor, teach, and inspire.

For clinic schedules, costs, and sign-up info, please contact:
clinics@nystrangers.org

People playing volleyball

Adult Clinics

Our adult clinics are open to anyone 18+ looking to learn or improve their volleyball skills. Each 8-week session covers fundamentals, formations, and basic gameplay in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment

For more information, please contact:
clinics@nystrangers.org

What is 9-Man?

9-Man is a fast-paced volleyball team sport played with nine players on each side and a slightly larger court. The game originated with Chinese immigrants in the U.S., particularly those from Toisan (Taishan) in Guangdong, China. More than just a sport, 9-Man is a living tradition that celebrates heritage, resilience, and community.

About NACIVT

The New York Strangers proudly compete in the North American Chinese Invitational Volleyball Tournament (NACIVT)—a tradition-rich, annual event that gathers 9-Man teams from across the U.S. and Canada.

NACIVT eligibility rules require each team to have:

  • At least 6 players of 100% Chinese descent on the court at all times.
  • The remaining 3 players of Asian descent, based on NACIVT’s specified list of eligible countries.
  • Note: Only men are permitted to compete in the 9-Man format. The women’s teams follow the same ethnicity-based eligibility in all tournaments.

The NACIVT season typically runs from April through September.

Men's volleyball team celebrating