In Ontario, volleyball is a dynamic and widely loved sport, with strong participation across its three major categories: Indoor Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, and Sitting Volleyball. As the governing body for the sport in the province, the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) is dedicated to supporting its member clubs by fostering growth, sustainability, and inclusivity within the volleyball community.
With nearly 19,000 unique members—marking a 12% increase from 2023—and over 90% of members recommending OVA programs and clubs, it is evident that volleyball in Ontario has a strong foundation. However, sustained success requires ongoing efforts to attract new participants and provide OVA clubs with tools to expand their reach. In addition, the OVA wants to support organizations, persons and cultural community groups in providing programming for non-OVA members and for former OVA members that continue to play the sport as adults, beyond club participation. Thereby, strengthening each person to participate in “Volleyball for Life.”
Statistics Canada highlights that “Overall, 83% of sports players reported playing recreationally, outside of a club or league.” This underscores the need for accessible, structured pathways to bring these athletes into OVA-sanctioned programs. It is especially crucial for newcomers to Ontario (nationally and internationally), who often rely on sports as a means to integrate into their communities but may struggle to find suitable opportunities. By growing grassroots participation, Ontario Volleyball can ensure long-term success for its clubs and programs, as well as, attract new coaches, referees and volunteers.
To address these challenges, Ontario Volleyball has launched Ontario Volleyball Connect, a groundbreaking program discovery and booking platform integrated into the OVA website. Developed in collaboration with the Communiti app, Ontario Volleyball Connect centralizes volleyball opportunities, making it easier for players, parents, and enthusiasts to find and engage with OVA-affiliated programs.
“We have always enjoyed a very engaged community passionate about volleyball, and finding ways to bring more participants into the fold has always been a priority,” said Jo-Anne Ljubicic, Executive Director, Ontario Volleyball Association. “This is why we are proud to launch Ontario Volleyball Connect , where clubs, public providers and participants can connect effortlessly in one place.”
By leveraging Ontario Volleyball Connect, OVA member clubs can strengthen their programs, attract new members, and contribute to the broader mission of growing volleyball in Ontario. Whether clubs are looking to promote beginner-friendly programming, recruit competitive athletes, or expand community outreach, Ontario Volleyball Connect is the key to unlocking new opportunities.
For more information on how your club can get involved, visit:
https://ontario.volleyballconnect.org/providers
Kerish Maharaj, our Manager of Marketing and Community Outreach: kmaharaj@ontariovolleyball.org
Find us on Facebook, Instagram or Threads