A TOTAL of 24 teams will compete in the University of the South Pacific Islanders Volleyball Association (USPIVA) weekly competition this season.
Last year, only 16 teams competed and USP sport co-ordinator Gabrielle Qoro said the increase in the number of teams was a good sign.
Sixteen men's and eight women's teams will compete in the competition compared to the 12 men's and four women's teams last year.
He said the increase showed that the competition had caught the attention of other clubs that joined the association for the 2012/2013 season.
The association had its opening knockout two weeks ago to kick-start the season but had to hold the weekly competition until this weekend to cater for the Inter-Tertiary Games last week.
"It was a very successful knockout and in the men's division, Chips retained their title as knockout winners with a very close game against newcomers Toba Blues and in the women's category, newcomers Bulldogs upset Chips who were the last season's winners," he said.
The increase in teams will also see an increase in the level and standard of competition in the weekly games at the USP Indoor Gym.
Qoro has asked the competing teams to play in full uniforms and to adhere to the rules and regulations of the association to ensure the competition operates smoothly.
"As we play all our games indoors, we do expect players to come in full uniform, it would lead to disqualifications if uniforms are incomplete," he said.
This Saturday's games begin at 8.30am.