The BMO Centre in Calgary is buzzing with excitement as it hosts the 2026 Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships, recognized as Canada's largest sporting event. From May 14 to 31, more than 22,000 young athletes from across the country are participating in a series of four tournaments spread over two waves.
Unprecedented Scale and Participation
With 56 courts set up inside the BMO Centre, matches are scheduled in morning and afternoon waves to accommodate the massive number of participants. According to Linden Leung, Chief Operating Officer of Volleyball Canada, over 1,500 teams will compete in more than 6,000 games during this period. Except for Nunavut, every province and territory is represented, with teams ranging from Under-14 to Under-18 age categories.
This is not the first time Calgary has hosted the event; it previously took place in 2015 at the Calgary Olympic Oval and BMO Centre. However, the recent renovation and expansion of the BMO Centre have significantly increased its square footage, making it possible to host over 50 courts in a single location. Leung noted that Calgary is one of only three cities in Canada capable of accommodating an event of this magnitude under one roof. Through a partnership with Tourism Calgary, the goal is to bring the championships back to Calgary regularly, aiming for over 3,000 teams by 2032.
Volleyball Development Hub
Kerry MacDonald, Chief Sporting Officer of Volleyball Canada, highlighted that interest in volleyball is growing year over year across the country. Calgary has a rich volleyball history, having been the base for Volleyball Canada's national team in the 1980s and 1990s. The city's facilities and strong club and school programs continue to develop talent. "Volleyball in Calgary is a major development hub for talent within our country," MacDonald said. "It is nice to be able to bring the rest of the country here to compete with and against those local groups and clubs, and get them to see what this beautiful city does have to offer."
Economic Impact
The influx of athletes, along with an estimated 30,000 friends and family members, is expected to generate a significant economic boost. Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice-President of Sales at Tourism Calgary, stated that the event is projected to contribute $68 million to the local economy, benefiting businesses, hotels, and restaurants. Hosting such a large-scale event also solidifies Calgary's reputation as a world-class host city. Ackroyd highlighted other major events Calgary is hosting in 2026, including the Women's World Curling Championship, the World Supercross at McMahon Stadium, and the Grey Cup. He noted that interest from major event organizers is high, and the city is working to secure even more future events.
The championships run until May 31, offering a thrilling display of youth volleyball talent and showcasing Calgary's ability to host premier sporting events.
