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 Program.

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.

  • Athletes will experience their first high-performance training environment. They will be introduced to both beach and indoor volleyball, build strong all-around foundational skills, and learn to self-evaluate their effort, engagement, and quality of work. The environment is positive, inclusive, and designed to help athletes explore their interest in future stages of the pathway.

    2012 Girls & 2011 Boys

    For detailed program information, click here.

  • Athletes will explore both beach and indoor volleyball in ways they may not experience in their current club environments. They will be exposed to new skills, roles, and training standards, and will learn to connect with their bodies and self-evaluate their intentions and engagement. This program helps athletes determine whether they want to pursue high-performance volleyball.

    13U-17U with above average physical attributes and testing results.

    For detailed program information, click here.

  • The focus for athletes will be to develop the skills and habits required to train and compete independently in a partnership-driven sport. The program welcomes both new and experienced athletes to beach. Athletes will build the technical and tactical skills of the game, strengthen their ability to self-evaluate preparation and decisions, and develop the communication and connection skills needed to work effectively with a partner.

    200-2011 athletes

    For detailed program information, click here.

  • Team Ontario White introduces athletes to their first single discipline training environment in the Team Ontario pathway. Athletes will build the foundational technical skills, behaviours, and habits needed for long-term success by developing both the person and the player. They will be exposed to roles and experiences they may not get in their current environments and will learn to take greater ownership of their learning.

    2011 Girls & 2010 Boys

    For detailed program information, click here.

  • The focus for athletes will be to strengthen the skills and behaviours required to handle increased training and performance demands. Athletes will reinforce preparation and recovery routines, learn the skill of performing under pressure, and develop decision-making in environments that require sustained focus over multiple days.

    2010 Girls & 2009 Boys

    For detailed program information, click here.

  • The focus for athletes will be to take full ownership of their preparation, routines, and decision-making. They will refine the habits needed to perform on demand, learn tactical concepts connected to future international play, and develop the ability to lead themselves into a major peak event.

    2009 Girls

    For detailed program information, click here.