Ever since volleyball came to Canada in 1900 through the YMCA in Ottawa the sport has grown tremendously, becoming a popular hobby and spectator sport across the country drawing in players and fans of all ages. We can see this growth in how many people play – and also in the rising interest in Canada sports betting.
This isn’t surprising either. People love volleyball because it’s easy to play, includes everyone, and is always fun to watch. We’ll now take a look at why volleyball has taken off so much in Canada, focusing on the sport’s past and what lies ahead.
Some Historical Context
It really wasn’t long before volleyball caught on fast, moving to YMCAs in Toronto and Montreal. These places held regular tournaments, which were the only organized volleyball events in Canada for many, many years. The first notable change to this occurred in 1953 when people started the Canadian Volleyball Association now called Volleyball Canada. This group continues to play a key role in growing the sport across the country – which now has over 80,000 members.
Next came Canada’s first time playing at the 1959 Pan-American Games in Chicago and the strong showing of both men’s and women’s teams at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics where they came in 4th and 8th. A tremendous feat really considering the more established competition at the time.
Other notable wins worth mentioning include the men’s team getting to the 1992 Olympics after a long time away, and the women’s team making their first Olympic appearance in 1996. These events in undoubtedly helped to cement volleyball’s spot in Canada’s sports history.
Impressive Growth
Estimates show that between 500,000 and 800,000 Canadians play volleyball at different levels and ages – and this number only grows every year. More and more schools and youth programs also offer volleyball as part of their sports curriculum and in their after-school activities, helping the sport grow from the ground up; nurturing real interest and passion for the long-term.
To reflect the growing popularity and success, volleyball’s media presence in Canada has also grown. TV and streaming platforms now show far more of the sport during big events like the Olympics. Volleyball World, which plays a big hand in running the sport, came out on top in the SportOnSocial league table for 2024. They managed to clinch the lead from other Olympic sports outlets by getting people to engage on social media, reaching number one on both X and YouTube (their videos on YouTube got more views than any other International Federation).
This amazing success online shows that fans are interacting well with volleyball content; which helps make the sport accepted, sponsored and followed in Canada. Bring it on, we say.
Professional Development
While Canada lacks its own pro volleyball league, many Canadian players join pro leagues worldwide. In 2019, over 100 Canadian volleyball players competed on a global level (36 women and 88 men who played for Canada in different international leagues).
Canadian national teams have done particularly well in world competitions. The men’s team reached a real high point when they came in 5th at the 2016 Rio Olympics. To add to this momentum, both men’s and women’s teams have improved in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League and World Championships, which has certainly boosted Canada’s standing in world volleyball.
As you can probably guess, the sport draws more sponsors and investors as larger amounts of people enjoy it. Big tournaments can have a big impact on local economies bringing visitors – helping hotels and restaurants and the like.
But it is worth keeping in mind that many athletes often face money problems. Many depend on help from the government and groups like CAN Fund to pay for basic needs. This highlights where Canada’s volleyball world could certainly improve.
Where is Volleyball Heading?
When we look back at the history and current status, we’re reminded of what Sarah Pavan said: “Volleyball has given me the opportunity to travel the world, meet amazing people, and challenge myself in ways I never thought possible.” This reflects how the sport can change lives in amazing ways impacting Canadian athletes, fans and many others across nations.
When Canadian teams win big matches (like the women’s beach volleyball team beating the USA in the 2024 Olympics) the sport is put in a blinding and powerful spotlight. Beach volleyball has also garnered more attention, drawing in players and fans who love its energy and aesthetics. All of this, plus more TV coverage and ongoing buzz on social media, have now created a unavoidable snowball effect that’s pushing the sport to new heights.
As volleyball will surely retain its growth and momentum, governments have a great chance to put their full support into helping players grow – building better facilities, and creating pro leagues in Canada. We can loudly and proudly make our mark in the volleyball arena, giving more chances to players at every level.
