MANILA – Provincial collegiate players will get the chance to display their talents and be recognized in the inaugural V-League Visayas which unfolds in Cebu City on July 5.

Aside from celebrating school spirit and athletic excellence, the tournament is an opportunity for those aiming to play in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the national team.

“This is more than a competition. This is a dream platform for our players -- a place where they can finally be seen and, hopefully, be called up to greater opportunities," former national standout Grace Antigua in a news release Sunday.

Antigua is currently head coach of the men’s and women’s teams of University of San Carlos (USC), which is among the participating schools.

The regional offshoot of the highly successful PVL has the same structure, competition level, and visibility which brought women’s volleyball to new heights.

“This is grassroots. Once younger athletes see that we have our own Visayas V-League, they will be inspired to be part of the bigger volleyball scene in the country. It will spark belief in the players, and that’s the first step to greatness," said Antigua.

USC Warriors assistant coach Harvey Bernil noted the importance of the Visayas V-League.

“They no longer have to settle for watching games on television or wondering what might’ve been. Now, they can be the players others look up to -- the ones being cheered, celebrated and scouted,” he said.

“This (league) will be their stepping stone. It’s time to start aiming higher."

Antigua said V-League Visayas is a symbol of hope, pride and ambition for the region’s volleyball community.

“This is really my dream. For my players to dream, not just to play in college, but to reach the national team, to go professional. I want them to feel that their future is possible," she said. (PNA)