Nov. 06, 2025: Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program (NEP) will again be offered for both men and women in 2026.

The NEP is a 15-week, full-time daily volleyball training environment located at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, B.C. for the women and in Gatineau, Quebec, for the men.

Volleyball Canada will select 16-20 athletes of both genders born in 2009 to 2011. The athletes, from across the country, must possess attributes consistent with high-performance volleyball, and have the potential to compete for Team Canada at the senior level and/or professionally in the future.

"The National Excellence Program (NEP) provides the support and structure that helps athletes launch their high-performance volleyball careers," explains Kerry MacDonald, Volleyball Canada’s Chief of Sport.

"Since its inception, the NEP has grown into a critical launching point in our National Team development pathway, ensuring athletes have the foundation to progress and excel at the highest level."

• Virtual applications will be accepted until November 28, 2025.

As part of the 2026 program, Volleyball Canada is piloting a separate "Futures Camp" in Alberta and Ontario for athletes born in 2011 and 2012. These camps are new for 2026 and are designed to provide earlier identification and education opportunities for those who are interested in NEP.

The age/grade ranges for the camps are as follows:
NEP – Grade 10/11 or born in 2009-2010
Futures – Grade 8/9 or born in 2011-2012

To register for the virtual component (on or before Nov. 28) potential participants will find their respective NEP or Futures ID registration link in Sportlomo (Volleyball Canada’s registration portal).

Athletes will then receive an invite to complete the virtual evaluation on the SkillShark app, a new Volleyball Canada partner.
 
In-Person ID Camp Schedule:

Men’s NEP Camp Dates
Saskatoon - December 6, 2025
Kitchener - January 3-4, 2026
Vancouver - January 10-11, 2026
Calgary - January 17-18, 2026
Halifax - January 24, 2026
Gatineau (Quebec)- January 31, 2026
Winnipeg - February 7, 2026

Men's contact info: mbraz@volleyball.ca

Women’s NEP Camp Dates
Saskatoon - December 6, 2025
Kitchener - January 3-4, 2026
Vancouver - January 10-11, 2026
Calgary - January 17-18, 2026
Gatineau (Quebec) - TBD
Halifax – TBD

Women's contact info: excellence@volleyball.ca

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676