SIXTEEN senior high schools and club teams have so far confirmed their participation in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-18 Championships for Boys and Girls slated to unfold on February 17 at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said the federation expects the number of participants to increase this week after several schools and clubs sent letters of intent to join the tournament that is being revived after decades of hibernation owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This Under-18 Championships aims to keep the pool of young players active,” Suzara said.

“This tournament serves as a feeder for future national teams.”

Five teams — California Precision Sports-Antipolo City, Paranaque Thunderbolts Volleyball Club, Santa Rosa City, Angeles City, and Sto. Nino de Praga Academy (Trece Martires, Cavite) — is fielding squads in both the boys and girls divisions.

Also joining the PNVF’s season-opening national tournament are Philippine Christian University (Manila), Queen Ann School (Santa Rosa), Justice CM Palma High School (Quezon City), Hermosa Volleyball Club (Bataan), Municipality of Nagcarlan (Laguna) and Mayamot National High School (Antipolo City) in the boys’ division.

Competing on the girls’ side are Ateneo de Manila University, Grace Christian College Foundation (Taguig City), and New Gen-Municipality of Sta. Cruz (Laguna), Mayamot National High School (Antipolo City), UVL-Science City of Munoz and Paranaque Berets.

Competition director Oliver Mora said the matches will be played on weekends with the finals for both genders set on March 12. Yul Benosa is the event director.