Request for Proposal: Hosting of the 2026 Men’s National Excellence Program
Dates: September 7 to December 11, 2026
Overview:
Volleyball Canada (VC) is seeking a Host Organization for the 2026 Men’s National Excellence Program (NEP), to be delivered from September 7 to December 11, 2026. The NEP is an intensive, centralized training and competition environment that brings together Canada’s top 16–18 U18 male volleyball athletes and 4 full-time staff. The program is designed to support long-term podium development by integrating high-performance training, competition, education, and integrated support services.
This Request for Proposal (RFP) invites prospective host cities, institutions, or training hubs to submit a proposal to host this program. The successful Host will work in close collaboration with Volleyball Canada staff to deliver the necessary training, sport science, accommodation, academic, and competition infrastructure to meet the demands of a world-class development environment.
This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Canada’s next generation of national team athletes. While the initial commitment is for the 2026 cycle, proposals that indicate interest and capacity for a longer-term partnership will be prioritized.
Scope of requirements:
While Volleyball Canada recognizes that not all environments may fully meet every requirement, proposals with strong alignment are encouraged. The following outlines the full scope of needs in an ideal scenario. Reasonable exceptions may be considered where justified and where alternate solutions are provided.
Facility and Equipment Specifications
Training Courts
- Minimum 2 courts available ~28–32 hours per week:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9am–12pm & 4pm–7pm
- Thursday: 1pm–4pm
- First 3 Saturdays of the program: 9am–12pm
- Free zone: 6.5m baseline, 5m sideline
- Ceiling height: Minimum 12.5m
- Required training equipment:
- Service machine (110kph)
- 4 setting targets (2x 40cm, 2x 60cm)
- 4–6 hitting boxes (60–100cm)
- Video playback setup (cameras, TVs, software)
Weight Room
- Exclusive access preferred
- Capacity for 20–40 athletes
- Use for 1–2 hours/day, 4–5 days/week
- Equipment:
- 5–10 full squat racks with platforms
- Weightlifting bars (20kg and training bars)
- Trap bars, safety squat bar, Smith machine
- Adjustable benches, full DB and KB area
- Plyometric and agility space (~500–1000 sqft)
- Selectorized machines (leg press, leg ext, hamstring curl, cable system, etc.)
- Cardiovascular equipment: 20 bikes, 2–5 treadmills, 2–10 rowing machines
Medical and Therapy Support
- Dedicated, exclusive treatment area
- 4 beds (at least 2 high-low plinths), pillows, bolsters
- Therapist office with secure storage
- Equipment required:
- Ultrasound, Shockwave, Game Ready (2), Muscle Stim, Ice machine
Integrated Support Team (IST)
- Potential for a (0.7 FTE) Strength & Conditioning Coach to cover all programming and supervise all weightroom sessions
- Part-time: Mental Performance Coach, Dietician, Relief Therapist
- Up to 2 student interns per IST role
- Sport medicine affiliations access:
- Primary Care, Sports Med, Ortho, Chiro, Massage, Osteo, Podiatry, Neuro specialists
Administration and Logistics
- Ground transportation partner or plan
- Coach office space & general admin support
- Meeting room access (20–24 capacity)
- Dedicated team room with showers & laundry
- Storage space, Wi-Fi, parking
- Athlete lunch/study space (fridge, microwave, kitchenette)
Academic Support
- Access to academic support for high school athletes in STEM, Socials, and Languages
- Exclusive supervised study room from 11am to 4pm, Mon–Fri
- Support coordinating with academic institutions
Accommodations and Meals
- Housing for 18 athletes + 4 staff near training facility
- Options:
- Vetted family stay
- Campus
- Apartment-style units with 2–3 bedrooms (furnished, secured access)
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner via catering
- On-site snack program at training venue
Competition Support
- Opportunity to host competitions (Domestic or International)
- Access to a competition site with 2,000+ spectator seating
- Airport access
- Accommodation & Meal access
- Facility (training & competition)
- Ground transport
- Event staff and volunteer support
Proposal Submission Requirements
Your submission should include:
- A detailed description of your organization’s capacity to meet the above requirements
- Identification of any limitations or alternate delivery solutions
- Associated financial costs and in-kind contributions (budget proposal)
- Opportunities or interest in a multi-year hosting agreement
- Summary of experience hosting training camps, competitions, or similar national/international programs
Additional Enhancements
- Any additional services, innovations, or features that would enhance the NEP hosting experience
Timeline & Contact Information
Proposal Submission Deadline: August 22, 2025
Proposal Submission Link: CLICK HERE
Submit proposals to: Cassandra Nicol
Program Lead, Men’s Indoor National Teams
Volleyball Canada
cnicol@volleyball.ca
We look forward to receiving your proposal and working together to ensure a successful 2026 Men’s National Excellence Program.
Thank you for your interest in supporting the development of Canada’s future national team athletes.