CLUB FAQ
What is club volleyball?
Club volleyball is elite competitive volleyball and a bigger commitment than school teams - there are tryouts and cuts. The coaches are trained and certified, the athletes are expected to attend practices and tournaments, and we work hard but have fun at the same time! The season starts once school volleyball is over and runs from December through May. Typically, the teams have three Premier tournaments (one per month) followed by Provincial Championships (April) and then National Championships (May). Premier tournaments and Provincials are held anywhere from Calgary to Grande Prairie. Most teams attend extra tournaments during the season.
Where is the Airdrie Hawks Volleyball Club located?
Airdrie Hawks is based out of Airdrie Alberta, with tryouts and practices taking place primarily at schools and Genesis Place in the Airdrie area. Where possible, Hawks teams also accommodate players from Calgary.
How long is the season?
The club volleyball season starts with tryouts in late November/early December, and ends with our last tournaments occurring in April (provincials) or May (nationals), depending on the age group.
What age groups do you serve?
We try to accommodate as many athletes as we have coaches and gym space for. Ideally, we endeavour to field a team in male and female categories from U13 to U18. For the 2023/24 season, visit our REGISTER page for more details
When and where are tryouts?
Winter tryouts take place in late November/early December and last for 8-12 days. Check the Hawks registration page for exact dates, times, and locations for your age group.
For the 2023/24 season, winter tryouts begin November 26.
How much do tryouts cost?
Typically, winter tryouts cost $42 (non-refundable) and each athlete will be given at least two tryouts. Participants can register for tryouts online and pay the tryout fee with a credit card.
Do I have to be at every tryout?
It is to your advantage to be at every tryout so that you are not only exposed to the coaches more, but you also gain a greater sense of what kind of experience you might expect as a Hawks player. If you must miss a tryout, let the coach/evaluator know as soon as possible (often something can be worked out).
Why should I try out for the Hawks?
Making a Hawks team gives you the opportunity to train in a competitive but positive atmosphere and compete with like-minded teammates. Certified coaches will prepare you well for Volleyball Alberta tournaments in the Calgary area and other locations in Alberta. Airdrie Hawks is a registered society in Alberta - meaning all profits are re-directed back into the organization to fulfill our objectives. All athletes are given fair and equal opportunity to make a team, our fees are competitive, and politics are minimized on our teams.
What do I need to bring to tryouts?
Bring your volleyball gear (indoor running shoes, shorts/t-shirt, knee pads, ankle braces, athletic tape, etc), and a water bottle.
See the tryout page for more information and the registration form.
If I make the team, how much would I have to pay in fees?
Team fees depend on the team, but the fee for a team with up to 12 players on the roster is projected to be $2700-3000 per player,
for the 2023/24 indoor season. This includes registration with Airdrie Hawks, Volleyball Alberta (VA), Volleyball Canada, coaches’ honorarium, basic team apparel/uniform offering, practice fees, equipment, club administration, and registration for all VA tournaments offered in a team’s age category including the provincial championships.
The team fee will also cover the registration fee for the 2023-24 Volleyball Canada Nationals competition in. However, it does not cover the travel and accommodation costs to attend the event.
Extra costs that parents and athletes can anticipate will include accommodation and travel expenses to out-of-town tournaments, food costs and registration in non-VA tournaments.
The fees for the season are to be paid via our online registration and payment system prior to the Hawks Team Day in December. After tryouts, parents (all those whose information was provided at tryouts registration) and players will be notified prior to Team Day if they have been selected to play on a Hawks team. This email notification will provide instructions for next steps and a link to our online registration and payment system.
Are there any extra costs?
Extra costs include:
- Travel to and from all tournaments
- Food and accommodations at out-of-town tournaments
- Shoes, knee pads or braces
-
Extra tournament fees over and above the Premier tournaments
I may have problems paying my fees in one lump sum. Can I make a different payment arrangements?
Airdrie Hawks fees are very competitive and often considerably less than some of the more established clubs in the Calgary area. Payment plans are available in up to 4 installments. At team day, you will be required to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit and then you can set up payment options with our registrar. Individual teams may also choose to fundraise in order to reduce player costs.
Several organizations can offer financial assistance to families struggling to cover fees and costs associated with participation in youth sport including the following:
Kalix Legacy Foundation - https://kalixlegacyfoundation.com/
KidSport - https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/calgary/apply-for-a-grant/
Jumpstart - https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/individual-child-grants
When are practices?
Practice times depend on the age group and the availability of practice venues. Most teams practice three times per week. Practices may occur on any day of the week, with weekday evening practices taking place from 6 p.m. onward, with the latest potential end time at 10 p.m. Older age groups tend to have later practices. Practices also take place on weekends, when not playing in a tournament, expect to still be practicing!
Specific practice times/locations will not be determined until after tryouts are completed and teams are formed.
When are the tournaments?
Tournaments take place on weekends, and are scheduled by Volleyball Alberta or by other clubs. There is generally one tournament per month starting at the end of January.
See the complete schedule of Volleyball Alberta tournaments here and check back frequently as it is always subject to change.
Volleyball Alberta general information can be found here.
My son or daughter participates in other school or club teams in other sports. Can he/she still play for the Hawks?
Absolutely. Airdrie Hawks subscribes to the ideals of the Canadian Sport for Life Long Term Athlete Development Model and believes that “specialization” too early can be detrimental to an athlete's development. However, it is important for athletes to carefully balance their activities and always be mindful of the commitment they made to their coach and teammates.
Are the coaches certified?
All of our head coaches are certified or are engaged in the certification process through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and abide by the Volleyball Alberta Coaches’ Code of Conduct.
How do I register with Volleyball Alberta?
You must register as a "Youth Development Player - Tryout" through Volleyball Alberta's Volleyball Registration Sportlomo system before registering for tryouts. This membership costs $21.81.
Signed Hawks players for 2023/24 must register as a "Youth Competitive Player - Indoor". This membership costs $117.78.
We are part of Big Country Zone 2.
*Ensure this membership is under the athlete's name - not the parent. If you have a login from previous years, be sure to use the same login - don't create a new profile.
Where do I get more information about Volleyball Alberta, schedules, etc?
Here are some helpful Volleyball Alberta links. Always refer directly back to their page and news alerts for the most current information:
We support a safe and positive experience for all athletes. Find information about abuse-free sport here