What is Volleyball Canada’s role in coaching excellence?

Volleyball Canada and its partners have fostered a well-developed pathway structure. This allows coaches to work within their areas of expertise and provides a level of reassurance that athletes are being coached by trained and certified coaches.

“By developing innovative resources and delivering peer-reviewed NCCP programs in accessible formats, Volleyball Canada and our provincial and territorial partners are shaping a culture of coaching excellence. As the sport continues to thrive nationwide, our commitment ensures that every athlete can learn, grow, and succeed under the guidance of NCCP-Certified coaches,” explains Dawna Sales, Director of Athlete and Coach Pathways for Volleyball Canada.

Volleyball Canada’s role in coaching development:

• Volleyball Canada oversees coach education and development nationally.
• Works closely with Provincial/territorial volleyball associations (PTAs) that deliver programs at the regional level.
• Aligned system development to ensure best practices and consistency in delivery

What is the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)?

• Canada’s standardized coach education system across all sports.
• Volleyball Canada tailors NCCP streams for volleyball-specific contexts.
• Focuses on developing competencies in technical, tactical, ethical, and leadership skills.

Coaching Streams / Pathways Defined:

• Community Sport (Smashball): For grassroots, school, and recreational coaches.
• Competition – Introduction (Development Coach): Prepares coaches for club and competitive youth levels.
• Competition – Development (Advanced Development Coach): For advanced athletes (provincial/national level).
• High Performance (Performance Coach): Supports elite and national team coaches.

Workshops, Certifications and Professional Development:

• Online and in-person modules (e.g., “Foundations of Volleyball”).
• Practical evaluations, mentorship, and portfolio submissions.
• Continuous learning through clinics, webinars, mentorship, and national conferences.
• Access to Volleyball Canada’s Learning Management Centre and Coaches Association of Canada (CAC) resources.

Coach Development Priorities:

• Athlete-centered coaching philosophy.
• Safe Sport training and ethical decision-making.
• Long-Term Development (LTD) model and the Athlete Development Matrix (ADM) alignment.
• Inclusive coaching (gender equity, Indigenous sport initiatives, accessibility).

Support for Advancement:

• Coaching bursaries and grants (federal/provincial).
• Networking and Professional Development opportunities through events.
• Pathways to international coaching opportunities via Volleyball Canada and FIVB.

More on Coaches Week, including free modules and other resources can be found here: www.coach.ca