Volleyball City Battle of the Badges Volleyball Tournament
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Holyoke, Massachusetts - the Birthplace of Volleyball - plays host to the Volleyball City Battle of the Badges Volleyball Tournament. Back for its tenth year and featuring members of the New York City Fire (FDNY) and New York City Police (NYPD) Departments going head to head with teams of first responders from Holyoke, Springfield and greater New England.
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2024 Participating Teams
- Holyoke Fire
- Chicopee Fire
- Springfield Fire
- Springfield Police
- New York City Fire (FDNY)
- New York City Police (NYPD)
- New York State Police
- West Springfield Fire
Tournament & Events Schedule
All Tournament Matches will be held at Holyoke Community College - 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA
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Friday, June 6, 2025
6pm Night of Heroes Welcome Reception Saturday, June 7, 2025 8:30am Battle of the Badges Tournament 1pm Playoffs Begin 3:00pm Championship Match 6pm Post-Tournament Reception @ Pic's Pub |
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Ticket Information
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Spectator admission to the Battle of the Badges Tournament is FREE and doors will open to the public at 8:45am with play starting at 9am sharp.
Saturday, June 7, 2025 Holyoke Community College 303 Homestead Avenue Holyoke, MA 01040 Free parking is available in Lot M. For more information email [email protected] or call the International Volleyball Hall of Fame at 413-536-0926. |
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Night of Heroes Reception
Participating teams are invited to join the IVHF for a private, invitation-only, tournament kick-off reception.
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2025 IVHF Night of Heroes Reception
Friday, June 6, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT |
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International Volleyball Hall of Fame - 444 Dwight Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
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Join IVHF guests of honor at the Battle of the Badges Night of Heroes Reception on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 6-8pm at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. This private, invitation-only, event celebrates the participating teams of the Battle of the Badges Tournament along with light bites and complimentary beer & wine. We look forward to having you join us to welcome these great heroes.
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** REGISTRATION THROUGH SPECIAL LINK IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS INVITATION-ONLY EVENT **
Tournament History
In the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts, volleyball isn't just a sport—it's a legacy. This city, known as the birthplace of volleyball aka Volleyball City, embraces its historic roots with pride and joy.
The journey begins in the late 19th century, where the game was invented by William G. Morgan at the local YMCA. Morgan sought a game that combined the elements of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball, resulting in the creation of "mintonette," which later became known as volleyball.
Fast forward to today, and you can see Holyoke's pride in every corner of the city. The Holyoke Police Department proudly displays an emblem featuring a graphic of a volleyball, alongside the proud declaration "birthplace of volleyball." This emblem is not just an insignia; it's a testament to the city's deep-rooted connection to the sport.
One of the most celebrated figures in Holyoke's volleyball history is John J. Lynch, who served as the Fire Chief of the city in 1896. But before his days battling blazes, Lynch captained the very first volleyball team in the world. His leadership laid the groundwork for the sport's popularity and growth in Holyoke and beyond.
Holyoke's celebration of its volleyball heritage goes beyond emblems and historical figures. The city hosts volleyball tournaments, clinics, and exhibitions that draw players and fans from across the globe. Local schools and colleges integrate volleyball into their physical education and athletic programs, nurturing new generations of players who carry the torch of the sport's rich history.
The sport has become a unifying force in the community, bridging generations and cultures, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Holyoke's narrative is intertwined with volleyball, a game that has grown from a local invention to a global phenomenon. In this city, volleyball is more than a sport; it's a heritage, a source of community pride, and a continuing legacy that honors its origins every day.
The journey begins in the late 19th century, where the game was invented by William G. Morgan at the local YMCA. Morgan sought a game that combined the elements of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball, resulting in the creation of "mintonette," which later became known as volleyball.
Fast forward to today, and you can see Holyoke's pride in every corner of the city. The Holyoke Police Department proudly displays an emblem featuring a graphic of a volleyball, alongside the proud declaration "birthplace of volleyball." This emblem is not just an insignia; it's a testament to the city's deep-rooted connection to the sport.
One of the most celebrated figures in Holyoke's volleyball history is John J. Lynch, who served as the Fire Chief of the city in 1896. But before his days battling blazes, Lynch captained the very first volleyball team in the world. His leadership laid the groundwork for the sport's popularity and growth in Holyoke and beyond.
Holyoke's celebration of its volleyball heritage goes beyond emblems and historical figures. The city hosts volleyball tournaments, clinics, and exhibitions that draw players and fans from across the globe. Local schools and colleges integrate volleyball into their physical education and athletic programs, nurturing new generations of players who carry the torch of the sport's rich history.
The sport has become a unifying force in the community, bridging generations and cultures, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging. Holyoke's narrative is intertwined with volleyball, a game that has grown from a local invention to a global phenomenon. In this city, volleyball is more than a sport; it's a heritage, a source of community pride, and a continuing legacy that honors its origins every day.
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Tournament Champions
2025 - TBD 2024 - 2023 - NYPD (1) def FDNY (1) 2022 - New York United def NYPD 2021 - No Tournament due to Covid-19 2020 - No Tournament due to Covid-19 2019 - New York United def FDNY 2018 - New York United def FDNY 2017 - Conquest Monkey (Western Mass.) def FDNY 2016 - Conquest Monkey (Western Mass.) def FDNY 2015 - FDNY def Acton FD 2014 - FDNY def Holyoke FD |
NYPD - 2023 Battle of the Badges Champions
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