A Letter of Support

Support Needed: Help Us Build a Dedicated Facility for the Canadian Elite Academy Dear Academy Members/Community The Canadian Elite Academy is excited to explore the development of a dedicated volleyball facility to serve our growing community better. We’re currently seeking partnerships with local sports facilities or considering developing our own space to meet the rising demand for quality training opportunities. We’re reaching out to ask for your support in this early stage of the project. By signing a prewritten letter (linked below), you can help demonstrate the community’s interest in and support for this facility. The letter does not involve any commitment—it's simply a way to show that our community stands behind the need for expanded training facilities for school-age volleyball athletes. Our growth has brought us to a point where limited access to gym spaces hinders our ability to offer enough sessions and accommodate all interested athletes. Your signature on this letter will help us take the next step toward creating a facility dedicated to the development and success of Saskatoon’s youth in volleyball. Please click the link below to access the letter of support. You’re welcome to add any additional comments before submitting. Thank you for helping us advance in this important initiative for our young athletes. Warm regards, Dr. Darren Cannell CEO Canadian Elite Academy Academy Letter of Support

 

Try the League or ELITE 1 or 2 sessions. Register early School Day Academy *ELITE 1 and 2* status players only Tuesday - Friday 1-3 2025 February 4   Welcome to the Academy New to the academy this will help. The most common question I get is, "What session should I put my child in? She is very excited about volleyball." This video is designed to help with that question. Pick a Session at your Level You're viewing the Canadian Elite Academy Select T-shirt, an exclusive item for those who have achieved *ELITE 1* or *ELITE 2* status. To earn your *ELITE Status*, evaluation is necessary. The evaluation process costs 30 dollars. This fee can be applied towards purchasing the t-shirt or used toward your first ELITE 1 or 2-level session. Elite 1 and 2 Level Evaluation Form Watch this before registering for the league. The Academy League Format Explained. Check out the video and then register. One of the leagues has a few spots left, but the other is sold out.  Starts November 6th. Register Now Other Sessions Available! Check the list of the available sessions now, before they are sold out. Register Now

New video - The volleyball mindset.

 

 

November is Coming Quickly: Here's What You Need to Know! The Canadian Elite Academy is gearing up for the next month with some important updates for athletes and parents. Be sure to register soon for upcoming sessions—without enough interest, we may need to cancel some programs!

School Day Academy: Keep Your Volleyball Skills Sharp The School Day Academy continues into November and December! This unique opportunity is held at the Henk Reys Soccer Center and is perfect for high school athletes who want to stay fit and improve their volleyball skills as they prepare for club season. Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 pm, and Wednesdays from 1-2 pm. Who can attend: Athletes awarded ELITE 1 or 2 status. Flexible scheduling: Many athletes arrange their school schedule (cyber school classes, credit count, spares, SaskLearning Special credits) to clear their afternoons for training. After 2024, the Academy will be offered again from February to April in Semester 2, so don’t miss out on this incredible chance to train now! School Day Registration League Play: Fun, Competitive Volleyball Our volleyball leagues offer an exciting way to get on the court! Held at the Henk Reys Soccer Center, these leagues give athletes who didn’t make their school teams a chance to play. Open to anyone who wants to join, it’s the perfect environment to compete and have fun with a game-based structure. Wednesdays from 4:30 - 6:30 pm 8 weeks of play Format: 6-15 minute games, with 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 points for a loss. The goal? Rack up the most points by the end of the league! Sign up now to sharpen your volleyball skills and compete with your peers in a low-pressure but exciting setting! Leagues Registration Other Training Opportunities Beyond these two sessions, Canadian Elite Academy offers a wide range of other programs that will challenge and push you to the next level. Whether you're fine-tuning your fundamentals or preparing for high-level competition, there’s something for everyone. Check out our full lineup of sessions to find the right fit for your goals! Make sure to register soon, as both the School Day Academy and leagues need higher registration numbers to continue. We look forward to seeing you on the court! Training Opportunities Good luck to all during club tryouts Good luck to all the players who are in tryouts and school playoffs.  Remember to be focussed and work hard to achieve your goals.   If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it. Then with some effort, I know you can achieve it.

Discovering How the Academy Functions: What You Need to Know.

 

Discovering How the Academy Functions: What You Need to Know.

To fully understand how the Academy operates and how to get involved, there are three main resources to explore The Registration Page This is your primary hub for signing up. Here, you'll find: A full list of sessions with descriptions, dates, times, and locations. Payment options and registration details. Links to other resources on our website, so you can easily find additional information if needed. The Academy Information Website Dive deeper into how the Academy works. This section is broken into tabs, each focused on a particular area of interest: Learn about the tier system and what each level offers. Stay updated on major events and changes within the Academy. Get a better understanding of our session naming system and how sessions are tailored to athlete needs. The Academy Blog Our blog serves as a rich historical record, offering: Insights into the Academy’s growth and the journey we’ve taken over the years. Future plans for the Academy and new initiatives. Newsletters, discussion papers, and more in-depth articles about how we’re evolving. The Registration Page  Navigation Bar On the Bar you can find many different links: More Infos Blog Store Photo Gallery Feedback Below, you will see a screenshot of each and a link. The Academy Website More Info The Academy Blog Academy Blog The Academy Store Academy Store The Academy Photo Gallery Academy Photo Gallery The Academy Feedback Academy Feedback Clarity, Change, and Development are the core goals driving the academy's continuous growth. As we evolve, we are committed to reflecting the needs and values of our community. If you have any suggestions, comments, or thoughts, we encourage you to share them. We read and welcome all feedback, as it helps us build an academy that genuinely represents our collective vision.  Email is always the best way to get a response from the Academy. Email The Academy New sessions added to the Registration Website are: Two months added to the present School Day Academy Cycle two  of the School Day Academy (February - April) Leagues will need more registration to run in November and December Beach training programs Royalty of the Beach Tournament *ELITE 1 and ELITE 2* sessions More Private lessons Hope to see you on the Courts soon. Register for a Session Club tryouts are starting to happen: Before sending your daughter, read the following letter; this is an option piece by Dr. Darren Cannell    I recently received an inquiry from a parent of an athlete regarding the ongoing Camp at our Academy. "Is it possible for my child to transition to a higher group in the camp? Can the group she's currently in be modified to increase its competitiveness? The current gameplay does not align with her usual standards." This concern echoes a common sentiment among parents and athletes. The prevailing notion is that playing in an older age bracket accelerates an athlete's growth and overall skill development due to its heightened intensity. However, it's essential to underscore that the coach should initiate the decision to move a player to a different tier or age group rather than parents or athletes. Here's my perspective on this topic: In the Canadian amateur sports landscape, we often observe an athlete's tendency to constantly seek a higher tier until they find themselves at the lower end of skill within a group. Younger players frequently aspire to be part of superior teams, hoping this exposure will hone their talents. However, I firmly believe that young athletes blossom not merely by playing alongside better players but by uplifting and enhancing the skills of their teammates. A top-tier player shoulders the responsibility of leadership, steering the game's tempo and setting the standard of gameplay. For the child in question, continuously advancing through groups might eventually position her as the least skilled player, slowing down the game's pace. The pertinent question here is: How would this potential upgrade benefit the entire camp or club? If she's accustomed to a rigorous gameplay rhythm, the onus is on her to elevate her current group's standard. Should she lack the leadership or proficiency to enhance her team's performance, then perhaps she isn't ready for an advanced tier. It seems she yearns for more skilled players to set the game's tone, allowing her to merely participate at that level. If she genuinely craves a more dynamic gameplay, I urge her to take the initiative and create that environment. Elevating to a superior level can often be a double-edged sword. While it exposes players to heightened competition, it might also relegate them to the sidelines due to their relative skill set in the new group. Some of the most promising athletes never truly cultivate leadership attributes because they're constantly sandwiched in the middle tiers of higher-level teams. Of course, generalizations have their limitations. For certain athletes, progressing to an elevated level could indeed be the catalyst for their growth. When a coach identifies such potential, in collaboration with the parents and athlete, a transition might be the right path forward. Dr. Darren Cannell     ChatGPT's thoughts on this issue. Navigating Athletic Progression: Moving Up in Age and Skill Levels When parents witness their child excelling in a particular sport, a common question is: "Should my child advance to a higher level or age group?" It's an understandable question, driven by the desire to nurture the child's potential to the fullest. However, several nuances need to be considered. 1. Skill vs. Maturity:  While a young athlete may possess the technical skills to compete at a higher level, we must remember that sports aren't solely about physical capability. Emotional and mental maturity plays a crucial role. Engaging with older athletes can sometimes be daunting and may introduce pressures that younger athletes aren't prepared for. 2. Leadership and Team Dynamics:  Sports are as much about individual prowess as they are about teamwork. Being a standout player in a current age group offers opportunities for leadership and understanding how to elevate team dynamics. There's immense value in learning how to guide and uplift peers, a skill that might be sidelined if one is constantly in the shadow of older, more experienced players. 3. Growth and Consistency:  Constantly being at the top isn't necessarily the best vantage point for growth. Encountering challenges, facing failures, and bouncing back are essential aspects of an athlete's journey. If athletes continually seek levels where they're among the less experienced, they might miss out on these growth opportunities. 4. Coach's Insight:  Coaches interact with athletes regularly and can gauge their skills, adaptability, mental resilience, and team dynamics. Their recommendation about moving up a level should be given significant weight, as it comes from a place of expertise and firsthand observation. 5. Playing Time and Exposure: In a higher age group, there's a possibility that the athlete might get less playing time. Being a star player in a current age group ensures more gameplay, which might be more beneficial than sporadic play in an advanced group. In conclusion, while the allure of advanced play levels is evident, the decision should be holistic, factoring in the athlete's overall well-being, growth prospects, and long-term aspirations. It's essential to foster an environment where the athlete feels challenged yet not overwhelmed, ensuring a balance between skill enhancement and personal development. Remember, volleyball is a game; relax and do your best at tryouts. Good luck.

The Levels at the Canadian Elite Academy explained.

Hey,  everyone!  I thought the video might better explain the new tiering system we will use at the Canadian Elite Academy from now on!

I’m so excited,  to share the big news about our Academy new tier system to better serve our athletes.  

Whether you're just starting in volleyball or working toward the end of your high school or club volleyball career,  we’ve got a program for you!

This new system will allow interested athletes to find better the sessions where they will fit in based on their skill level,  experience and past involvement in the Academy sessions 

"Let’s start from the beginning.  Our new structure is designed to help athletes progress based on both their age and skill level.  Here's how it works. "

The lowest tier on the new system is NexGen!

"The first four levels in our tier system—NEXGEN through ADVANCED—have no enforced restrictions in registration… However… the top two tiers,  ELITE 1 and ELITE 2… are different.  These sessions can only be attended by athletes… who have been awarded ELITE status… based on their skills… and experience… This ensures… that every athlete in these sessions is at a similar high level of play. "

"The lower skill and age levels… although not enforced… are a responsibility of the parents and guardians to respect.  No matter how talented an athlete may be… without the maturity of age… and a foundation of basic skills… placing them in a higher session… could be detrimental to other athletes in that group.  It’s important to ensure… they’re ready for that level of competition. "

"The Academy is designed to give every athlete the tools they need… to be better at volleyball tomorrow… than they are today.  Our coaches can focus more efficiently… and productively… when athletes are grouped by similar age and skill levels.  Don’t hurt the progress of other athletes… by placing your athlete in a higher tier… than their skill or age would dictate. "

"Never enroll an athlete in a session… just because it fits their busy schedule… but doesn’t match their skill level.  This creates a bad situation for both… your athlete… and the others in the group… forcing the coach to spend time on skills that don’t align with the intended focus of that session. "

"Our NexGen sessions are for athletes aged 11 to 13. This is the starting point,  where we focus on developing the core fundamentals of volleyball.  Think of it as the first step in building a solid foundation.   If an athlete is new to the sport and in elementary school this is where to start until they have attended a few of the foundational sessions at the academy. "

"Next,  we have our Basic sessions.  This tier is typically for elementary school athletes who are still learning the ropes and mastering the basics of the game.   Without the foundation of the basic skills an athlete would find the intermediate level sessions frustrating! "

"Once athletes enter junior high,  many of them are ready for our Intermediate sessions.  Here,  the focus is on refining their skills and preparing them for competitive play.  Junior high athletes get to challenge themselves in a more competitive environment. "

"At the Advanced level,  we work with athletes who either have more than two years of experience in club volleyball or are playing on their senior high school teams.  These sessions are geared toward sharpening their skills and tactical understanding of the game. "

"Welcome to the ELITE 1 or ELITE 2 level evaluation,  where the best become unstoppable!  If you’re ready to elevate your game,  this is your chance.  But remember—this isn’t just a session.  It’s your opportunity to earn ELITE status and train with the most dedicated athletes. "

"You cannot access ELITE 1 or ELITE 2 sessions without earning this status.  The Canadian Elite Academy is introducing ELITE Sessions for high-performance athletes who are ready to stand above the rest.  Think you’ve got what it takes? "

"Why ELITE 1 and ELITE 2? These sessions are built for athletes who don’t just want to improve—they want to dominate.  Here's what makes our ELITE program different. "

"ELITE 1 athletes can access every session we offer,  while ELITE 2 athletes have access to everything except ELITE 1 sessions.  Either way,  you're competing at the highest level,  refining every skill,  and building a path to success. "

"Think you’re ELITE 1 or ELITE 2 material?  Here’s what we’re looking for. "

"To be considered for ELITE 1, you must be between 15 and 18 years old and meet these criteria:

Played high school volleyball every year

Two years of club volleyball

Attended key Academy programs

Recognized as a School Day Select athlete or part of a provincial team. "

"For ELITE 2, athletes need to be between 13 and 18 years old and meet similar,  but slightly broader,  requirements. "

"Both levels demand that you prove your performance,  work ethic,  and commitment.  What volleyball awards have you received?  How has your work ethic been recognized?  Are you a leader on and off the court?  These are the things we want to know. "

"If selected,  you’ll receive a Canadian Elite Academy Select shirt.  And don’t worry—if you’re not selected,  your application fee can go toward your next session.  The more dedicated athletes should aim for ELITE status,  because this is where the true competitors train.  Are you ready? "

"So… whether you're just starting out in NexGen… or pushing yourself in the ELITE sessions… the Canadian Elite Academy has a path for you.  Ready to join us… and unlock your full potential?  Let’s get to work! "

If you want to be evaluated for your Elite 1! or Elite 2! status,  go to the Academy registration site and fill out the  *ELITE 1* and *ELITE 2* Level EVALUATION! !   Good Luck and we hope you all will become ELITE SELECT Status Athletes. 

We hope to see you soon on the court at the Canadian Elite Academy. 

 

Introducing the ELITE Level at Canadian Elite Academy. Get ready for where the absolute top performers become absolutely unstoppable! This is the place where the best of the best push their limits and exceed expectations. It's a thrilling experience you'll never forget!

We are excited to announce the launch of our newest training tier: the ELITE Level Sessions at the Canadian Elite Academy! Why ELITE? Over time, we've noticed a challenge in maintaining groups with similar skill levels and ages in our sessions. To address this, we’ve created the ELITE Level—an exclusive program designed for athletes who demonstrate outstanding skills, commitment, and drive. By adopting this approach, we aim to create a focused environment where high-level athletes can train with peers of similar caliber and be pushed to achieve even greater success. This is not just another session; this is a chance to unlock your full potential, refine your skills, and compete with the most dedicated and talented players in the game. We want our top athletes to gain a status that reflects their hard work and gives them access to sessions tailored to their specific skill level. What is the ELITE Program? The ELITE program is for athletes who are ready to prove they have what it takes to stand above the rest. If you are driven to push your limits and train among the best, this program is for you. Here’s what you can expect in the ELITE Sessions: Advanced Skill Development: Learn and master the most intricate skills, from powerful setting and precise passing to game-winning blocks and lightning-fast digs. Exclusive Training: Train with top coaches and mentors who will push you to reach new levels of greatness. High-Level Competition: Play alongside athletes who share your ambition and commitment, preparing you for even higher levels of competition. Leadership & Teamwork: Learn what it takes to be a leader on and off the court—ELITE athletes aren’t just skilled; they’re role models. Physical and Mental Conditioning: We focus on developing not only your physical strength but also the mental toughness required to excel at the highest levels. Are You ELITE Material? Entry into the ELITE program is by selection only. Athletes must meet specific criteria to be considered for this prestigious level. If you believe you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply! Eligibility & Experience: Age: Must be between 15 and 18 years old (non-negotiable). High School Volleyball: Must have played on your high school volleyball team every year during high school. Club Volleyball: Must have at least two years of club volleyball experience. Academy Participation: Attended a high school Making the Cut camp, or Played at least two years in the Academy beach volleyball program, or Attended more than 10 skill sessions at the Canadian Elite Academy. School Day Select: Were you selected as a School Day Select athlete? Provincial Team: Have you been selected to a provincial team? Performance & Recognition: Volleyball Awards: What awards and recognitions have you received in your volleyball career? Work Ethic & Drive: Can you provide examples where your dedication to volleyball has been acknowledged? Commitment to Volleyball: How do you manage your time between school and volleyball? Describe how you maintain high performance in both areas. Integrity & Teamwork: Share a moment when your integrity or teamwork positively impacted your team. School Grades: What was your average in your most recent school year? Application Process & Benefits A $30 application fee is required to be evaluated as an ELITE athlete. If selected, you will receive an exclusive Canadian Elite Academy Select shirt, which will be presented to you at your first ELITE session. If you are not selected, don’t worry! You can apply the application fee toward your next one-hour session at the Academy. Ready to be ELITE? This is your chance to take your game to the highest level, train with like-minded athletes, and achieve greatness. Think you have what it takes? Apply now and join the best of the best! We look forward to seeing you at the ELITE Level! Elite Level Evaluation Want more info  *ELITE* Making the Cut Camp. There has even been an *ELITE* level Making the Cut Camp added to next August.  It will sell out! Get your Elite Status now, and your t-shirt.  Then register for it before it fills up. Register Act quickly! The non-ELITE sessions have sparked a frenzy of activity, rapidly filling the September to December slots. Due to late announcements, these sessions are filling up at an unprecedented rate. If you're considering attending, don't hesitate—secure your spot now before it's too late! Register So you got Cut off the School Team! Putting in the Time The disappointment of not making your school team has become a reality for many athletes. It is awful as a parent to watch your child experience that disappointment. Being selected to be a school team member is not an easy task. To be the best, you have to practice more than the rest!   Past training, ball contact, playing time and practice are the most significant determining factors in their ability to make the school team. The attempt today is to help parents put their child's disappointment into perspective. When a child comes home and is disappointed they did not make the school team. Make sure, as a parent, you put the blame where it belongs. The first gut instinct is to look for outside people or factors to place the blame. Most of the players on bigger school senior teams are club players and have been involved in organized volleyball for 4-5 years, attended camps and training sessions and worked on a planned approach to becoming better at the sport.   Just having the desire and the natural athletic ability cannot replace this amount of previous ball contact of these veteran players in the sport. A bigger school with two junior high school teams could have over 100 athletes trying out for these teams.   That means there are going to be 75 athletes who are going to experience the disappointment. The schools only have one senior team, which means the 24 athletes who played for the school's junior teams will be cut in half. That is not even considering the players transferring into the school with past volleyball experience. Making the team is not an easy thing. Be proud of your child's willingness to attend the tryouts. Ask them if they genuinely feel they should have been selected for the team. This is an essential question for your child to be able to answer. Knowing how good you are at a sport is a learned skill. Many young athletes are not objective and will look for outside factors to justify why they did not make the team. As a parent do not support this train of thought. The athlete's past effort, activities and sacrifices in their journey to achieving their goal is the single factor which should be used to understand why the tryout was successful or not. Placing blame on the structure, coach, size of the school, and the number of athletes trying out are some easy excuses for why an athlete did not make the team.   But it is not a constructive approach to developing a plan to make it next time as they are all factors over which the athlete has no control. The desire to be on the team is evident because they attended the tryouts, but it is not enough. Do they own a volleyball or have access to one they could use to put in the necessary outside-of-practice touches to compete with the other players? In the past, what activities have they done which would make them better than the others at the tryouts? What actions did they do all summer to prepare them for school tryouts? It takes a lot more than just desire to earn the right to represent the school in a sport. As a school coach, it was always evident which players had put in the time and effort between seasons. It was also the most challenging job to cut a past team member because they did not practice during the off-season more than the rest.   The lack of effort to achieve the desired goal is a hard pill to swallow but a lesson which needs to be learned. A spot on a school team which is given and not earned has little value. The disappointment of not making the team can be the fire to spark the drive needed to set the necessary steps in play to avoid failure the next time. Sometimes, even the effort put in is not enough to achieve the goal.   But the lesson learned here is many times, the journey is the lesson.    I am sorry to hear you did not make the team. The goal was not earned by the athlete's past effort before they went to tryouts. Coaches wish they could keep every player who tryouts, but it would cheapen the value of earning a spot on a school team, and that is the best lesson that can be taught. Encourage your athlete to not quit. Use disappointment as the flame to power the effort to achieve the goal next time. Michael Jordan When I got cut from the Varsity team as a sophomore in high school, I learned something. I knew I never wanted to feel that bad again. I never wanted to have that taste in my mouth, the hole in my stomach. So I set a goal of becoming a starter on the varsity. I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying again.