What is Niagara Rapids Club Volleyball?
The Rapids Club program (often referred to as “travel” or “rep”) provides opportunities for youth at all levels of experience to further their skill development and benefit from the experience of playing on a team. We are the largest youth volleyball club in Ontario, with 28 teams (girls and boys), 321 athletes and 56 coaches. This is important only because it gives so many athletes an opportunity to participate. To learn more about our Club teams, click here.
Will Rapids be holding tryouts?
Yes – Rapids will be holding tryouts for the 2022/23 season. For more information about our Club volleyball program, tryouts and registration for the 2022/23 season, click here.
Is playing experience necessary in order to try out and play for Rapids?
Not at all!! We welcome both experienced skilled players and beginners with no experience. We have premier-level teams available as well as teams where we are developing skill and a love for the game. Click here to learn about the Rapids’ team philosophies and expectations. Following tryouts your athlete will be placed on a team according to our evaluators’ observations.
When will tryouts be held?
The tryout timeline is determined by the OVA. The OVA is our provincial sport organization and is responsible for publishing the Return to Play Guidelines that all clubs must follow. For the 2022/23 season, tryouts will commence as of September 10, 2022. For more information about the OVA tryout window and policy, click here.
Where do I find out about tryouts?
All of the latest tryout information will be posted on the Rapids website www.rapidsvolleyball.ca, and on Instagram, search and follow Niagara Rapids.
What is the tentative indoor schedule for 2022/23?
The Indoor Youth Competitions calendar has not yet been finalized by the OVA for the 2022/23 season. You can check the OVA website regularly for updates.
What does a Rapids club season look like?
- The season runs from October to May
- 2 practices a week
- Additional training opportunities are available during the year with technical coaches and will be added into a team’s schedule.
- Practice gyms are located throughout the Niagara region
- Each team will have a minimum of 4 OVA tournaments plus participation in the Provincial Championships
- Different teams (A – D) have differing levels of commitment – click here to learn about the various teams, including philosophies and expectations
- Locations of OVA tournaments are disclosed closer to the tournament date and can be from held in Stratford, Guelf, Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton, Burlington, Waterloo & Niagara
- Tournaments are only one day and do not require an overnight stay. Exceptions to this are the Grand Prix which is a two-day tournament for older teams only.
Registration fee includes:
- Two practices a week plus additional technical training sessions
- 4 OVA Tournaments 12 – 17
- 5 OVA tournaments for 18u
- OVA membership • Ontario Provincial Championships
- Team sessions with a Technical Coach • Position training with a Technical Coach (15-18u)
- Skill training with a Technical Coach (12-14u) • Setter training for all age groups
- New player jerseys and shorts every season
Additional Fees that could be incurred:
- Coach’s accommodation for the Ontario Championships (mandatory)
- Rapids warm-up clothing (optional)
- Age Up Tournaments, Exhibition Tournaments, National Championships, USA Tournaments – as decided by the coach