The Illinois High School Sand Volleyball League, the result of the efforts of Brother Rice volleyball coach Paul Ickes, gets underway with its first set of matches on Monday, July 12 at Circle Park (97th and Homan) on the city's south side.

Teams can still form prior to Sunday, July 11. Participants signing up this week are required to attend a scheduling meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at Brother Rice High School.

There are three ways a team can sign up: through their schools, through their clubs or as an independent. Downloadable forms for all three are also at www.brvolleyball.com. Eligible players and divisions range from incoming freshmen through graduated seniors.

"If successful, our league and tournament would be the first statewide high school sand offering in the country," Ickes said. "We just need a few more teams, especially in the younger age divisions for both boys and girls, to move forward with a full program."

Fore more information, go to www.brvolleyball.com.