This is the registration for the group of Rising Stars Sessions in February and March
The sessions Monday February 23 6-7 PM, Tuesday(s) March 3 6-7 PM, March 10 6-7 PM, March 17 6-7 PM, March 24 6-7 PM and March 31 6-7
The discount for the bulk buying of the sessions means no refunds will be issued for any of these sessions.
Rising Star Sessions (Grades 3–6 – New to Sports)
Who It’s For: Athletes in Grades 3–6 who are new to sports and beginning their athletic development journey.
Focus: Rising Star sessions build the fundamental movement and coordination skills needed before learning formal volleyball techniques. These sessions are designed to develop body control, athletic awareness, and confidence through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
Skill Development: Athletes will work on the essential athletic building blocks:
Moving with balance and agility
Catching and throwing with control
Jumping and landing safely
Running with coordination
Developing hand-eye coordination and body awareness
Structure:
Held in a multipurpose room with a net
Focus on ball control, movement, and coordination
Prepares athletes for progression to NexGen Sessions
Private lessons offer a personalized volleyball experience! The main athlete selects the focus, invites up to five other academy athletes, and works with a coach best suited to their needs. This unique format allows athletes to target specific skills, build confidence, and take their game to the next level.
By choosing the focus and the group of attending athletes, the main athlete can shape the lesson to fit their goals — from mastering basic fundamentals to exploring advanced concepts. For example, a hitting session can include setters, liberos, and other hitters to create realistic, game-like drills. A serving lesson becomes more effective when multiple athletes are involved, allowing for rhythm, feedback, and even targets such as a libero to improve precision.
We’re building the New Academy as a complete, year-round development pathway for volleyball athletes of all ages and skill levels — from U10 beginners to Under-18 high-performance players. Our program blends weekly leagues, seasonal camps, focused training teams, and private lessons into a consistent curriculum designed to accelerate skill, tactical understanding, and competitive confidence. Sessions are run by experienced coaches and supported by data-driven progress tracking, with flexible scheduling and venue options (indoor gyms, multi-purpose rooms, and beach courts) to meet family needs. The result is a community where players improve reliably, families find predictable value, and coaches have the structure to deliver measurable outcomes. Athletes benefit from age-appropriate coaching, clear progression steps, and opportunities for game play and exposure, while parents get transparent pricing and scheduling. Join us at Https:elitevolleyball.training to view upcoming sessions, reserve a spot, or get on the waitlist — we’re ready to help every player reach the next level.
If you are interested in seeing it, help us build it, willing to give suggestions...Register
We are set to be fully operational by the start of summer. Several summer sessions are available for registration at a lower cost pre-redesign. Please review and register for events of interest to secure your spot.
Indoor Private Training Sessions
These times are short notice, I hope we can fill them. Private lessons are for athletes any age up to 18 and the lessons cost the same for one athlete to one coach or six athletes to one coach.
The Winter League has completed 5/8 games and when it ends we will be starting the Spring Indoor Girls Volleyball League. This league starts March 18 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Henk Ruys Soccer Center until May 20, 2026. There are less that 15 spots left in this league. So don't wait.
The young athletes sessions in the Multi-purpose area in Holy Family School are back. The sessions will be only have space for 10 athletes. Don't miss your chance. Check the times and dates and see if they fit your schedule.
The new Canadian Volleyball Elite Academy is almost ready. Parents need to create profiles for themselves and their athletes. This site aims to build a supportive community for young volleyball players. Share this with past academy members, school coaches, club coaches, academy coaches, and family members. Register now and watch the platform grow to support under-18 athletes on their volleyball journey. The parents and players of the Winter league have been using the new site and the Spring League players will as well.
The Canadian Elite Academy is entering an exciting new chapter — a complete restructuring for Winter 2026 — and your voice will help shape what comes next.
Whether you’re a current athlete or parent, a past participant, or a dedicated coach or supporter, your experience matters. We’re calling on our entire volleyball family, past and present, to share insights and feedback that will guide the future of our programs, schedules, and training opportunities.
This is your chance to help shape the next generation of volleyball development in Saskatoon and across the province. It takes just 8 minutes to complete — and your input will directly influence how we train, communicate, and grow.
Please take a few minutes to complete our Community Feedback Survey. And if you know other athletes, families, or coaches who have been part of our Academy journey, please share this survey with them — their voice matters too.
Over the years, I’ve seen incredible growth and dedication from our athletes, families, and coaches. As we plan for Winter 2026, I want to ensure every voice in our community is heard. Your feedback is essential as we reimagine what the Academy can be — stronger, smarter, and built around our athletes’ real needs.
Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and for being a valued part of the Canadian Elite Academy family.
— Dr. Darren Cannell Head Coach & Director, Canadian Elite Academy
Please share this message by using the buttons below to anyone who might be interested.
For visual learners, here's a calendar of the next three months to help you stay on track. In November, NexGens are sold out, but Rising Stars have a few spots left. There is one private lesson and one basic serving session that NexGens can join to advance to the skill sessions. Boys and Girls, Open Gyms are a great way to get more practice time and there are very few boy sessions so find some friends and comet to open gym and play some ball. We hope to see you on the court.
NexGens remain sold out, but Rising Stars has a few spots left and more private sessions available. Don't miss our 'Lose the Turkey' camp to shed extra holiday weight. Our 'Making the Cut' Camps sell out quickly, and this year is no exception. We are also offering skill sessions this month.
We are launching a popular league for girls who didn't make a club team, which is now three-quarters full. Our first session of the new year is 'Lose the Turkey' for Elementary School athletes (NexGen and Basic Athletes welcome). Check out our open gym times for more practice opportunities. Private sessions are also available for one to six athletes, perfect for individual or club team training.
These are going to be ones you don't want to miss.
Private Day Camps – November 10 & 11
We have two Private Day Camp opportunities coming up soon!
November 10 – Designed for Elementary School athletes (though High School groups are welcome too).
November 11 – Designed for High School athletes.
These camps are a great way to get focused, personalized training. You simply find five friends and book one or more private lesson times.
The best part? You choose the topic — serving, passing, setting, attacking, defense, or any skill you’d like to improve. You can even request a specific coach. If that coach isn’t available, we’ll make sure you get the best coach for the skill you’ve chosen.
Many athletes like to bring their school or club teammates, and if you’re all from the same team, you can bring more than six athletes for your session.
Scheduling Notes:
November 10 is an early dismissal day for elementary schools.
November 11 is an early dismissal day for both elementary and high school students.
Private lessons for either age group can be booked on either day, but please note that we do not encourage skipping school to attend.
Lose the Turkey Camps – December 27–30 & January 2–3
After all that Christmas turkey (and maybe another round at Grandma and Grandpa’s on the 26th), it’s time to get back in the gym! Our Lose the Turkey Camps are the winter versions of the popular Making the Cut Camp, designed to help you shake off the holiday meals and sharpen your skills before the Club and Winter League seasons begin.
We have three groups this year:
Elite 1 & Senior High School Athletes
Dates: December 27–30
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM If we have enough Elite 1 athletes registered, they’ll train separately from the Senior High School group. Otherwise, the two groups will combine for high-level sessions focusing on advanced skill development, gameplay, and competition.
Junior High School Athletes
Dates: December 27–30
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM These four days will be packed with technical reps, tactical training, and fun competitions to help Junior athletes elevate their game heading into the new season.
Elementary School Athletes
Dates: January 2–3
Split into three skill levels:
Rising Star: 8:00 – 10:00 AM
NexGen: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Elementary Basic: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Each group focuses on skill-appropriate development, teamwork, and fun—perfect for young athletes who want to improve while enjoying the game.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or an experienced player getting ready for club season, these camps are the perfect way to lose the turkey and gain a competitive edge!
Help Us Keep the League Growing! In the past, the Academy has grown almost entirely through word of mouth — and we’re so thankful for that! If you know anyone looking for a place to play, compete, and enjoy volleyball, please tell them about our Youth Volleyball League. The feedback from our last league was fantastic — athletes had fun, the games were competitive, and the energy was incredible. We’d love to keep offering leagues and open gym opportunities like these, but to do that, we need your help to grow enrollment and increase participation. If you can, spread the word to friends, teammates, or families who might be interested. The more athletes we have, the more we can expand and enhance the experience for everyone. We’re also open to sponsorships or partnerships with individuals or organizations who want to support a non-profit volleyball league for youth athletes. If you know someone who might be interested, please share my contact information: info@canadianeliteacademy.com Thank you for being such an important part of our volleyball community. We appreciate your ongoing support — and we can’t wait to see you all back on the courts soon!
We’ve standardized our weekly schedule to make planning easier for families! Each day now has a clear focus — designed to meet athletes where they are and help them reach the next level.
Tuesdays – NexGen Sessions
Ages: 11–13 (and younger developing athletes) Focus: Core fundamentals, coordination, and a love for the game.
Our NexGen program builds a strong foundation for young athletes through fun, high-energy drills. Perfect for players preparing to join school or club teams.
Thursdays – Rising Star Sessions
Ages: Junior High to Early High School Focus: Game play, skill refinement, and confidence on the court.
Rising Star sessions help athletes take the next step — developing advanced skills, learning strategy, and becoming smarter players. Great for those aiming to move toward advanced or elite levels.
Fridays – Private Lessons, Team Lessons & Open Gym
Private Lessons: Individual one-on-one training customized to each athlete’s goals — from improving serving to fine-tuning hitting or defensive techniques.
Team Private Lessons: Perfect for full teams that want focused work on systems, rotations, and communication.
Open Gym Time: A relaxed, supervised environment for athletes to get extra touches, practice new skills, or just enjoy playing. No pressure — just play, grow, and have fun!
Common Dismissal & Non-School Day Sessions
School may be out, but volleyball doesn’t stop! On common dismissal days and holidays, the Academy offers special training sessions and mini-camps to keep athletes active and improving — while parents get a well-deserved break. Keep an eye on our schedule — these fill quickly!
Alright team, this is where the rubber meets the road, isn't it? Tryouts, whether for school or club, are a crucible for our young athletes, and how they—and their parents—respond to the outcomes, both success and failure, speaks volumes about their character and potential. Our Academy's philosophy, deeply rooted in holistic athlete development, emphasizes that tryouts are far more than just a skills assessment; they're an evaluation of the whole athlete.
We're looking for the complete package: not just raw talent, but also work ethic, coachability, attitude, sportsmanship, and how an athlete interacts with their potential teammates. It's about identifying growth potential—players who are willing to learn, work hard, and continuously improve.
Let's break down the optimal responses for both athletes and parents, whether the outcome is a triumphant selection or a disheartening cut.
Athlete Responses: Navigating the Outcome
For our young athletes, tryouts are a significant emotional event. We need to equip them with the mental fortitude to handle any result with grace and a focus on long-term development.
1. Response to Success (Making the Team):When an athlete earns a spot on the team, it's a moment to celebrate, but it's also a crucial opportunity to reinforce core values:
• Humility and Continued Commitment: While they should feel proud, athletes must understand that making the team is "just one step" in their volleyball journey. Success is earned through consistent practice, self-discipline, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. They should embrace their achievement humbly and commit to ongoing development as valuable team members.
• Focus on the "Why": Remind them that they were selected not just for their current skills, but for their potential, work ethic, and team-first attitude. This reinforces that their character, not just their athletic prowess, is highly valued.
• Embrace Responsibility: With a spot on the team comes responsibility. They are now accountable to their teammates and coaches, setting a positive example and contributing to the team's culture.
2. Response to Failure (Being Cut):Being cut from a team can be a challenging and emotional experience, but it's also a powerful learning opportunity.
• Coping with Disappointment and Building Resilience: Athletes need strategies to cope with disappointment and build resilience. It's "okay to error but it is not okay to stop playing; it is okay to lose but it is not okay to give up". Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges, setbacks, and adversity. Encourage them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement, not as a reflection of their personal worth.
• Self-Reflection and Seeking Feedback: Instead of dwelling on disappointment, athletes should use it for growth and self-reflection. We encourage them to "seek feedback from coaches or teammates to identify areas for improvement". Personalized feedback helps athletes understand the rationale behind the decision and supports their growth.
• Goal-Setting and Alternative Avenues: Help them set new goals based on lessons learned and create action plans for future development. Encourage them to "seek alternative avenues for growth and development," such as community leagues or additional training sessions. Our Academy offers various tiers for this exact reason, ensuring every athlete can find an appropriate challenge.
• Maintaining a Positive Mindset and Perseverance: Emphasize the importance of perseverance and a resilient mindset. They should "stay committed to their passion for volleyball".
Parent Responses: The Unwavering Support System
Parents play a vital, yet distinct, role in their child's athletic journey. Their response to tryout outcomes can either empower or undermine their child's development and relationship with the sport.
1. Response to Success (Child Makes the Team):When a child makes the team, parents should be their biggest cheerleaders, but always with perspective and respect for boundaries.
• Unconditional Support, Not Over-Involvement: Parents are "supportive training partners," influencing lifestyle, diet, and fitness. They should provide "unconditional love and support", celebrating achievements without making the sport solely about "themselves" or focusing on "return" on financial investment.
• Respect the Coach's Role and Boundaries: It is paramount that "parents are Parents, Coaches are Coaches, do not confuse them". Parents should "not undermine the role of the appointed coach" and "trust in the coach's decisions, avoid interfering in coaching matters". Constant commentary or coaching from the sidelines is not supportive and teaches "selective respect".
• Reinforce Team Values: Encourage good sportsmanship, respect for opponents, officials, and teammates. This models the behavior we expect from our athletes and helps build a positive team culture.
2. Response to Failure (Child is Cut):This is perhaps the most critical moment for parental support, where the focus must shift entirely to the child's well-being and growth.
• Provide Unconditional Love and Emotional Support: The child needs unconditional love and support, especially after a setback. The outcome of tryouts "does not indicate what kind of parent you are".
• Avoid Criticism and Pressure: Parents should "not criticize your child’s gameplay or tell them what they have done wrong the moment after a game". Allow the child time to process feedback from coaches. The "two-minute rule" can be a helpful guide: limit your evaluation unless the child initiates a longer conversation. Avoid "excessive pressure or unrealistic expectations," which can lead to increased stress, diminished enjoyment, and burnout.
• Emphasize Learning and Growth: Reframe the experience as a learning opportunity. Remind them that "you learn a lot more from failure than from success". Discussing the developmental process in volleyball can help manage expectations, emphasizing that "athletes progress at different rates and that each player's development is unique".
• Collaborate and Plan Next Steps: Work with the child to explore options for continued play or skill development, potentially seeking feedback from the coach (privately and respectfully) to understand areas for improvement. Our Academy is always here to help find the right pathway for continued development.
Our Collective Role as Coaches
As coaches, we must foster an environment where trying out, whether successful or not, is seen as a valuable part of an athlete's development. This means:
• Clear and Transparent Communication: Communicate tryout criteria, the evaluation process, and timelines upfront to athletes and parents. Explain the rationale behind decisions related to athlete development and placement.
• Focus on the Process: Emphasize effort, progress, and personal growth over solely focusing on outcomes or wins. As Autumn Bailey reminded us, "practice is kind of where it's where you become the player that you want to be".
• Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a safe space where athletes feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. Encourage open communication and empathy among all stakeholders.
• Educate Parents: Proactively educate parents on the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, the developmental process, and the importance of their supportive role without overstepping boundaries.
Coaches, these conversations are never easy, but they are essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals who will thrive in all aspects of life, not just on the court. What strategies have you found most effective in guiding athletes and parents through the emotional landscape of tryouts? Let's keep this discussion going and strengthen our collective approach!
The Academy is being re - designed
Indoor Private Training Sessions
Rising Stars and NexGen Sessions
Be Part of the Academy’s 2026 Transformation.
Please take a few minutes to complete our Community Feedback Survey.
Tuesdays – NexGen Sessions
Perfect for players preparing to join school or club teams.
Thursdays – Rising Star Sessions
Great for those aiming to move toward advanced or elite levels.
Private Lessons:
Common Dismissal & Non-School Day Sessions
