Athlete Development Pathway

The OVA Athlete Development Pathway is the structure that is in place to accelerate the development of club volleyball players in Ontario. It is meant to complement the training provided by OVA clubs and offers progressive development opportunities to athletes from 14U to 18U.

The OVA Athlete Development programs are aligned with the Volleyball Canada pathway as it aims at producing athletes that will represent Canada internationally as part of a National Team.

Curriculum: The programs of the OVA Athlete Development Pathway are designed to deliver the content of the Volleyball Canada Athlete Development Framework. The four dimensions of athlete development are addressed in each stage of the pathway: Technical/Tactical, Physical, Psychological, and Life Skills.

Skills vs Age: Athletes are selected for programs based on their skill level, not their age. Age may be a limiting factor in a program based on the competition (ie: Canada Games are 18U).

Discipline Integration: Beach and indoor volleyball are integrated at the lower end of the Train to Train stage as athletes are still exploring sports. Specialization happens once athletes transition into the Learn to Train stage as per LTAD principles.

Competition: Competition is gradually introduced in the pathway. At first, athletes are competing provincially. They progress to the national and international stages.

Sport Science Support: The OVA works with experts in the fields of physical training, mental training, nutrition, and physical therapy. Partners such as the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario and Mettle Sports Training help deliver this component.