Junior Bisons Volleyball
Junior Bisons Volleyball is the provincial leader in developing young athletes' technical skills and teamwork abilities through competitive experiences and learning. UM Bisons volleyball coaching staff and student-athletes lead and facilitate programs to provide athletes at any level the opportunity for success.
Summer registration is open
High performance summer camp
Overview
Junior Bisons high performance volleyball camps are designed for competitive athletes to build excellence through high-quality, developmentally appropriate training and programming. As part of a holistic approach to long-term athlete development, these camps provide a challenging environment that allows athletes to further refine their technical skills and tactical understanding. Each day includes on-court training, game play, as well as strength and conditioning and sport science sessions.
Programming is led by Bisons volleyball head coaches Ken Bentley and Arnd Ludwig in conjunction with Junior Bisons Volleyball Technical Coordinator Joe Moore, and facilitated by Bisons student-athletes.
Previous volleyball experience is required.
Investors Group Athletic Centre will be closed for renovations from June - September 2026. Programs will be relocated to other gyms on campus. For more information, please visit the service disruptions page.
Program info
Ages: As below
Hours/Day: 6 hours/day
Dates: Summer 2026
Gender ID Male*:
Week 7 - Aug. 17 - 21 (ages 12-18)
Gender ID Female*:
Week 8 - Aug. 24 - 28 (ages 15U-18U)
Week 9 - Aug. 31 - Sept. 4 (ages 12U-15U)
* Each athlete is encouraged to choose the program that best aligns with their identity and where they feel most comfortable. All are welcome.
Price: $469
Multi sport strength and conditioning
Overview
The Athlete Membership is a high‑performance training program designed to help athletes ages 15+ build strength, speed and confidence. Led by strength and conditioning coaches in a supervised training environment, athletes receive fully customized programs tailored to their sport, goals and stage of development.
Members train up to three times per week with unlimited access to semi‑private strength and conditioning sessions in the high‑performance training centre, during specified training times. Progress is tracked throughout the program to ensure consistent development and long‑term athletic growth.
This program is ideal for Junior Bison club and swim team athletes looking to maintain year‑round training, while remaining open to athletes from all clubs and sport backgrounds.
This program offers flexible monthly enrollment options available for July or August, or a discounted two‑month commitment.
With professional coaching, personalized programming, and exceptional value per session, this membership is an investment in performance, resilience and confidence.
Program info
Designed to help Junior Bisons club members and swim team athletes continue their training year-round.
- Unlimited semi-private, supervised training sessions in the Bisons high-performance training centre
- Monday to Friday - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- 3 personalized workouts per week
- Tracked athlete progression
- Ages 15+
Athletes from all clubs are welcome.
Fees and dates
Price:
- One-month membership - $159.90
- Two-month membership - $288
One-month membership:
- July: valid from July 2 - July 31
- August: valid from August 1 - August 31
Two-month membership:
- July & August: Valid from July 2 - August 31
10% discount is available to current Junior Bisons club team members and swimmers if registration is completed before May 31, 2026.
Fall skills camps
Overview
The Junior Bison skills camps programming is led by Bisons volleyball head coaches Ken Bentley and Arnd Ludwig in conjunction with Junior Bisons Volleyball Technical Coordinator Joe Moore, and facilitated by Bisons student-athletes. These skills camps are designed for players with previous school or club playing experience looking to excel in their individual and team skills and tactics.
12U - 14U Girls
Ages: 12-14
Hours/Day: Two hour sessions every Sunday
Number of Sessions: Eight
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
2026 Dates - Locations:
Sept. 27 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct. 4 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct.11 - Investors Group Athletic Centre
Oct. 18 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 1 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 8, 15, 22 - Investors Group Athletic Centre
Price: $472
14U - 15U Girls
Ages: 14-15
Hours/Day: Two hour sessions every Sunday
Number of Sessions: Eight
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
2026 Dates - Locations:
Sept. 27 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct. 4 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct. 11 - Investors Group Athletic Centre
Oct. 18 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 1 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 8, 15, 22 - Investors Group Athletic Centre
Price: $472
16U - 18U Girls
Ages: 16-18
Hours/Day: Two hour sessions every Sunday
Number of Sessions: Eight
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m."
2026 Dates - Locations:
Sept. 27 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct. 4 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct. 11 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Oct. 18 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 1 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 8, 15, 22 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Price: $472
13U - 18U Boys
Ages: 13-18
Hours/Day: Two hour sessions every Sunday
Number of Sessions: Eight
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
2026 Dates - Locations:
Sept. 27 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct. 4 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct. 11 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Oct. 18 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 1 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov. 8, 15, 22 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Price: $472
Volleyball club teams
Program overview
Under the expert guidance of Bisons head coaches, the club programming offers opportunities for young athletes aged 12-18 to develop volleyball skills, tactical knowledge and fitness. This program is a high-level training experience for new athletes in the sport to develop and those looking for a career in post-high school competition to further their abilities.
Programming is led by Bisons volleyball head coaches Ken Bentley and Arnd Ludwig in conjunction with Junior Bisons Volleyball Technical Coordinator Joe Moore, and facilitated by Bisons student-athletes.
2026 fee structure
Girls 12-15
| Fees | 12U girls | 13U girls | 14U gold girls | 14U brown girls | 15U gold girls | 15U brown girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player fee | $1570 | $1705 | $2070 | $1795 | $2700 | $2280 |
| Apparel fee | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 |
| Travel Fee | $0 | $325 | $1511 | $1363 | $2958 | $2275 |
Girls 16-18
| Fees | 16U gold girls | 16U brown girls | 17U gold girls | 17U brown girls | 18U girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player fee | $2440 | $2270 | $2855 | $2270 | $2900 |
| Apparel fee | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 |
| Travel Fee | $3465 | $2195 | $4010 | $1961 | $4813 |
Boys 13-18
| Fees | 13U boys | 14U boys | 15U boys | 16U boys | 17U boys | 18U boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player fee | $1805 | $2075 | $1830 | $2215 | $2315 | $2410 |
| Apparel fee | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 | $400 |
| Travel Fee | $0 | $738 | $1291 | $3287 | $2250 | $1488.50 |
Player fees cover Volleyball Manitoba registration, facility rentals, tournament entry fees, Junior Bisons banquet ticket, coaching honorariums and per diems, strength and conditioning, Hudl subscriptions, sports psychology sessions, equipment, supplies and administration costs. All fees are based on a 12 athlete roster.
- This larger fee is payable in one lump sum in January or can be paid by credit card in a 5 month payment plan (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May)
Apparel fees cover two practice dri-fit shirts, hoodie, backpack and two game jerseys.
- The full apparel fee is due at the parent meeting in December with credit card as the clothing is ordered and paid for instantly through the online store.
Travel fees cover player and coaches hotel expenses, coaches flights and travel expenses, and team rental vehicles/buses and gas.
- The travel fee does not include player flights to Nationals or any other tournaments. The travel fee is due in one payment (date TBD). It is determined by the number of players on each team, number of tournaments, locations, travel etc.
2027 tryouts
2027 Tryouts
Dates: Nov 29 to Dec 17, 2026
Ages: 12U - 18U based on date of birth
Time: TBD
Cost: $40 (includes both tryout days)
Location: University of Manitoba Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC)
PLEASE NOTE: Due to high demand and tryouts selling out each year, athletes who have a date of birth between September 1 and December 31 register for your preferred tryout age group and attend that age class tryout only. If you would like to be considered for multiple age classes, please complete the multiple age class consideration form.
17U & 18U Boys & Girls early-signing information
Athletes who wish to express interest in early signing can contact Joe Moore directly.
Learn more about Volleyball Manitoba's early signing period.
Open gyms
17U & 18U Boys & Girls open gyms
Open gyms are intended for athletes interested in early-signing with our teams at the 17U or 18U age class.
Sessions provide an opportunity to explore our programming and work directly with our coaches. After these sessions, coaches will reach out to selected athletes during the early- signing period (Aug. 31 – Sep. 3, 2026).
Dates and times
Age group | Time |
| 17U Boys | Saturday, Aug. 29, 11-1 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30, 6-8 p.m. |
| 18U Boys | Tuesday, Aug. 25, 8-10 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30, 2-4 p.m. |
| 17U Girls | Saturday, Aug. 29, 9-11 a.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30, 4-6 p.m. |
Cost: $40 for both sessions.
2027 age groups
| Age group | Gender | 2027 anticipated # of teams | Birthdate range of athletes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12U | Girls | 1 Training Group | Born Sept 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2015 |
| 13U | Girls | 2 | Born Sept 1, 2013 - Dec 31, 2014 |
| 14U | Girls | 2 | Born Sept 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2013 |
| 15U | Girls | 2 | Born Sept 1, 2011 - Dec 31, 2012 |
| 16U | Girls | 2 | Born Sept 1, 2010 - Dec 31, 2011 |
| 17U | Girls | 2 | Born Sept 1, 2009 - Dec 31, 2010 |
| 18U | Girls | 1 | Born Sept 1, 2008 - Dec 31, 2009 |
| 13U | Boys | 1 | Born Sept 1, 2013 - Dec 31, 2014 |
| 14U | Boys | 1 | Born Sept 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2013 |
| 15U | Boys | 1 | Born Sept 1, 2011 - Dec 31, 2012 |
| 16U | Boys | 1 | Born Sept 1, 2010 - Dec 31, 2011 |
| 17U | Boys | 1 | Born Sept 1, 2009 - Dec 31, 2010 |
| 18U | Boys | 1 | Born Sept 1, 2008 - Dec 31, 2009 |
When an athlete has a date of birth between Sept 1 and Dec 1 you may choose your preferred tryout. If you qualify for, and would like to be considered for multiple age groups please fill out our multiple age class consideration form.
Family meeting
Families play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of young athletes' development. In order to ensure families have all of the information necessary to ensure a successful season for their athlete our leadership team hosts a meeting after tryouts, before the season begins. Here you will meet the coaching staff, complete the team registration process, receive team schedules, complete online apparel orders, and learn about our club philosophy.
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: University of Manitoba Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC)
This meeting is a requirement of playing Junior Bisons Club Volleyball and all athletes and one parent/guardian must be in attendance.
2026 coaches
Boys
| Year | 13U | 14U | 15U | 16U | 17U | 18U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head coach | Kyle Napiza | Roy Rodriguez | Kelly Bowen | Austin Cadieux-Coombes | Austin Cadieux-Coombes | David Teixeira |
| Assistant coach | Gabe Millan | Rod Wolfe | Jon Labun | Jake Rogers | Sydney Cadieux-Coombes | Josh Ludwig |
| Assistant coach | Jim Grape | Max Jehle | Sydney Cadieux-Coombes | Alec Beatty | ||
| Assistant coach | Lucas Robertson | Chris Lorenzana | Asher Harrington |
Girls
| Year | 12U Gold | 12U Brown | 13U Gold | 13U Brown | 14U Gold | 14U Brown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head coach | Soleena Vasquez | Miya Osato | Jenna Szajewski | Bruce Kent | Andrew Brewster | Cierra Cyr |
| Assistant coach | Taylen Bagnas | Emily DeDominicis | Tiana Cowper | Rebecca Sutcliffe | Sydney Friesen | Jim Grape |
| Assistant coach | Dan McGregor | Sumeet Dhaliwal | Kiara Brewster | Nadia Hoxha |
| Year | 15U Gold | 15U Brown | 16U Gold | 16U Brown | 17U Gold | 17U Brown | 18U Gold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head coach | Dan McGregor | Nathan Yerex | Mike Hamm | Roger Vermette | Joe Moore | Steve Krosta | Brendan Zebrynski |
| Assistant coach | Maddy Senecal | Dana Ray | Julie Trommel | Vanessa Friesen | Ian Taylor | Monica Chernichan | Bryton Arnal |
| Assistant coach | Keziah Hoeppner | Kevin Penner | JJ Ross | Ashley Simac | Abi Dueck | Cole Honoway | |
| Assistant coach | Jackie Lusk |
At a glance
Team seasons run from January-May
- 14U-18U teams practice three days per week
- 12U-13U teams practice 2-3 days per week
All teams have two strength and conditioning sessions per week (same days as practice).
All teams will engage in Mental health skills and mental health training provided by Attollo Mental Health & Performance.
All teams 13U-18U will participate in the Volleyball Manitoba Provincial Championships.
All teams 14U and up will participate in the Volleyball Canada National Championships.
All teams will participate in tournaments:
- 18U - 5-6 local and 1-3 away tournaments
- 17U - 5-6 local and 1-3 away tournaments
- 16U - 4-5 local and 1-3 away tournaments
- 15U - 4-5 local and 1-2 away tournaments
- 14U - 4-5 local and 1 away tournament
- 13U - 3-4 local and 1 away tournament
Sponsorship
The Junior Bisons program provides high-performance training and competition opportunities designed to develop leadership, personal excellence and team-building skills in young athletes. A partnership with our program offers companies a unique platform to align with these core values and support the next generation of community leaders. We don't just teach volleyball; through our programs, young athletes develop valuable leadership skills for their future.
Strategic partnership tiers
We offer three levels of corporate partnership, each designed to provide high-visibility brand alignment while directly impacting the seasonal travel budget for our athletes.
Team Champion (one per team) | $5,000: The exclusive official team champion for a designated team. Includes premium logo placement on physical signage, a dedicated "thank you" section in all team emails, plus inclusion in high performance summer camp email campaigns, and a social media shout outs.
Team Partner | $3,500: Includes logo inclusion on gym entrance signage, a featured logo in our seasonal family wrap-up report plus inclusion in our high performance summer camp email campaigns, and a social media post showcasing alignment of your corporate mission with Junior Bison values. .
Team Supporter | $1,000: Includes logo placement on gym entrance signage and recognition in our high-performance summer camp digital campaigns.
How to get involved
If your organization is interested in supporting the next generation of Manitoba’s leaders through a Junior Bisons partnership, we invite you to discuss our current opportunities.
For more information and to request a sponsorship package, please contact: Nataliya Wanke, Marketing Coordinator.
Athlete power and speed training
Overview
Developed by the Bisons' strength and conditioning coaches, this dynamic program takes a structured approach to athlete development and performance. Focusing on the traits like speed, power, agility and coordination can help make your young athlete an exciting 'game changer' in their sport of choice.
Training sessions will include exercises and equipment focusing on sprinting, jumping, throwing, and change of direction skills. These techniques will help develop athletes of all levels and across all sports, improving performance and reducing the chance of injury.
This program is designed to complement your athlete's existing sport schedule, including practice and game days, without compromising their energy or performance.
Program info
Session: Fall 2026
Day of the week: Mondays
Dates: Sept. 21 - Dec. 7 (no classes Oct. 12, 19, Nov. 9)
Time: 7:35 p.m. - 8:35 p.m.
Number of sessions: 9
Ages: 10 - 14
Cost: $153
Location: Max Bell Fieldhouse
Session: Winter 2027
Day of the week: Sundays
Dates: Jan. 10 - Feb 21 (no classes Feb. 14)
Times: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Number of sessions: 6
Ages: 10 - 14
Cost: $102
Location: Max Bell Fieldhouse
Session: Winter 2027
Day of the week: Mondays
Dates: Jan. 11 - Mar. 22 (no classes Feb. 15)
Times: 7:35 p.m. - 8:35 p.m.
Number of sessions: 8
Ages: 10 - 14
Cost: $136
Location: Max Bell Fieldhouse
Smashball
Overview
Junior Bisons Smashball, previously known as Mini Volleyball will be led by Ken Bentley, Arnd Ludwig and their University of Manitoba Bison Coaching staff and athletes in conjunction with the Junior Bisons Volleyball Technical Coordinator Joe Moore.
Guided by the Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity framework, Smashball is an approach of initiating athletes to the game of volleyball who are in either the FUNdamentals or Learn to Train stage of their developmental pathway. Using developmentally appropriate adaptations, participants will develop physical literacy by being introduced to the basic skills, rules and the etiquette required to participate. With a focus on fair play and respect for others, participants will experience increased success, build confidence, and want to play more often!
Program info
Session: Fall 2026
Day: Sundays
Dates - Locations:
Sept 27 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct 4 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Oct 11 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Oct 18 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov 1 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
November 8, 15, 22 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Times: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Ages: 8-10 Years Old, all genders welcome
*Players will be split up within the camp according to age/ability
Cost:
Session: Winter 2027
Day: Sundays
Dates - Locations:
TBD
Times: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Ages: 8-10 Years Old, all genders welcome
*Players will be split up within the camp according to age/ability
Cost:
4v4 Rallyball
Overview
Guided by the long-term development in sport and physical activity framework, rallyball is designed for athletes transitioning from the learn to train to the train to train stage of their developmental pathway. Using developmentally appropriate adaptations, participants enhance their physical literacy by consolidating basic skills and systems in a 4V4 gameplay environment while promoting fun and friendship.
Programming is led by Bisons volleyball head coaches Ken Bentley and Arnd Ludwig alongside their Bisons coaching staff and student-athletes. This elite leadership team collaborates with Junior Bisons coaching staff and Technical Coordinator Joe Moore to provide a high-quailty experience for all participants.
Program info
Session: Fall 2026
Day: Sundays
Dates - Locations:
Sept 27 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Oct 4 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Oct 11 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Oct 18 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
Nov 1 - Frank Kennedy Centre Gyms
November 8, 15, 22 - Investors Group Athletic Centre Gyms
Times: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Ages: 11-12 Years Old, all genders welcome
*Players will be split up within the camp according to age/ability
Cost:
Session: Winter 2027
Day: Sundays
Dates - Locations:
TBD
Times: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Ages: 11-12 Years Old, all genders welcome
*Players will be split up within the camp according to age/ability
Cost: