via: Independent | Courtesy
Key Takeaways
- Santa Barbara Volleyball Club will build a new indoor facility on county-owned property on Hollister Avenue following Board of Supervisors approval
- The project addresses a documented shortage of indoor youth sports space in Santa Barbara County
- Facility will be funded through grants and private donations, with no taxpayer funding mentioned
- Club plans to expand programming capacity and open the gym to other youth sports organizations beyond volleyball
- Project moves to planning review and permitting phase with county collaboration
Filling a Gap in Indoor Sports Infrastructure
Santa Barbara Volleyball Club announced plans to construct a dedicated indoor facility on Hollister Avenue, following lease approval from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors earlier this week. The development targets a shortage of indoor space that has limited youth sports programming in the region.
Executive Director Matt Riley described the project as “a major investment in the future of youth sports in Santa Barbara.” With a dedicated facility, the club will no longer need to rely on borrowed gym space and can increase its programming schedule while accommodating other local sports leagues.
The county-owned property sits adjacent to a 34-unit affordable housing development that broke ground last week, creating a cluster of community-focused projects on the same corridor.
Shared-Use Model and Community Access
The facility will operate on a shared-use model, with Santa Barbara Volleyball Club maintaining primary programming while opening the gym to other youth sports organizations. This approach addresses capacity constraints that force many local programs to compete for limited indoor court time at schools and municipal facilities.
“Our goal is to create a safe, high-quality environment where young athletes can develop not only as volleyball players, but as teammates, leaders, and community members,” Riley said.
County Supervisor Laura Capps noted the project demonstrates how local government can partner with community organizations to expand youth programming. “By investing in youth sports and creating spaces where kids can learn teamwork, confidence, and resilience, we’re strengthening the fabric of our community for years to come,” Capps said.
Funding Structure and Next Steps
The project will be funded entirely through grants and private donations, according to Riley. The club will publish additional details on funding progress and construction timelines on its website at santabarbaravolleyballclub.com.
The facility now enters the planning review and permitting phase, with county staff working alongside club leadership to move the project through regulatory approvals. No construction timeline was announced.
Strategic Implications for Santa Barbara Youth Sports
The Hollister Avenue facility represents a growing trend of purpose-built youth sports infrastructure replacing the traditional model of renting time in shared municipal or school facilities. By securing long-term access to dedicated space, Santa Barbara Volleyball Club gains operational control that allows for expanded programming hours, consistent scheduling, and the ability to generate revenue through facility rentals to other organizations.
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