Calgary Hosts Canada’s Largest Team Youth Sporting Event
The 2026 Volleyball Canada National Championship will see 22,000 athletes ranging from U14 to U18 over four tournament waves from May 14-31
May 21, 2026 (Calgary, Alberta) — An “ace” for Calgary as the country’s largest youth sporting event, the 2026 Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships, is underway at the BMO Centre.
Beginning May 14, more than 22,000 athletes from across Canada have been making their way to Calgary to compete over three weeks in a four-tournament, two-wave championships. The BMO Centre has been transformed into a major competition venue, with 56 courts hosting nearly 1,500 teams ranging from U14 to U18.
“Volleyball Canada is proud to partner with Tourism Calgary to bring Nationals back to this incredible city,” said Sandra de Graaff, Director, Domestic Competitions, Volleyball Canada. “Calgary’s passion for sport, outstanding hospitality and ability to host events on this scale make it a natural fit for our national championships. This partnership continues to elevate the athlete and spectator experience while generating meaningful economic and community impact for the city.”
In partnership with Tourism Calgary, the event is expected to generate an estimated $68 million in economic impact for local businesses, hotels and restaurants across Calgary.
The tournament’s continuous flow over the month will bring a steady stream of athletes, coaches and families to the BMO Centre and attractions across the city each day. Each tournament is divided by age group and structured into morning and afternoon waves to accommodate the 256 to 432 teams competing throughout the event.
“This Volleyball Canada National Championship is the kind of event Calgary was built to host,” said Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President, Sales, Tourism Calgary. “Over three weeks, the BMO Centre and the city around it are going to be packed with athletes, families and fans from across the country. Events like this have a major impact on our visitor economy and strengthen Calgary’s reputation as a world-class host city.”
Hosting the Volleyball Canada National Championships reflects Calgary’s continued momentum as a year-round event destination for major sporting events that drive visitation, support local businesses and showcase the city on a national stage.
About Tourism Calgary
Tourism Calgary is the destination management organization that enthusiastically shares and promotes the story of our friendly Blue Sky City to those near and far. We think big – like, Canadian Rocky Mountain big – using our sales and marketing expertise to drive an annual visitor spend of over $3.3B for the local economy and advocating for our growing tourism sector, which includes 84,000 Calgarians employed in the industry. From conventions to leisure travel, sports events to music and arts, Tourism Calgary represents the city’s diverse and unexpected experiences, extending our welcoming hospitality to the over 10.5 million people who visit Calgary every year. Go to visitcalgary.com for more details.
About Volleyball Canada
Volleyball Canada is the national sport organization for volleyball in Canada responsible for fostering the growth and development of indoor, beach, and sitting volleyball across the country.
Volleyball Canada works closely with its Provincial and Territorial Association (PTA) partners to provide leadership that enhances performance and participation in Canadian volleyball for its more than 80,000 registered participants. Each year, Volleyball Canada hosts Nationals—one of the largest team sport events in Canada by participation—and the event continues to expand year over year in size, scope and impact.
Media Contact:
Gracie Curlock, Communications Specialist
(403) 809.1457 | [email protected]
Mezi Tamrat, Communications Coordinator, Volleyball Canada
(613) 853.4951 | [email protected]
Jackie Skender, Director, Communications, Volleyball Canada
(613) 794.7676 | [email protected]