March 29, 2021: Team Canada U21 Men’s program details have been finalized, including the virtual identification process.
After a successful virtual program in 2020 and a challenging 2020-2021 USPORTS and CCAA season, the identification process will provide any male athletes, born in 2001 or later with the opportunity to upload their profile, highlight videos and physical testing data for review by the Team Canada U21 (Men) selection committee.
Headed by Coach Ryan Marsden (AB), and assistant coaches, Ian Eibbitt (ON) and Gabriel DeGroot (ON), the program will be a combination of online and in-person training with the top 18 athletes in Canada. A final travelling roster will be selected for the U21 Pan American Cup* from August 14-22, and the U21 World Championships in Italy/Bulgaria from September 23-October 3.
“The U21 program is an important part of our men’s athlete pathway and development,” said Julien Boucher, Volleyball Canada’s High Performance Director for indoor programs. “Despite the challenges of the past year, I’m confident that our staff are offering high-quality programming and will be prepared for events returning later in 2021.”
The identification process will be hosted by GMTM by which athletes will be able to create an account and upload their profile, physical testing data, and highlight/skill video. The platform allows every interested athlete the opportunity, regardless of location, to be part of the identification system in Canada.
Athletes will be selected in mid-May and the program will start with virtual programming from May 24-July 2. In person training will take place at the Men’s National Team Centre in Gatineau, QC from July 5-August 14 leading up to the Pan Am Cup, and from August 27-September 22 leading up to the U21 World Championships. Volleyball Canada is committed to ensuring the safety of our athletes and coaches and will adhere to all restrictions within Canada, and specifically within QC.
The platform, GMTM, will be open until April 30, 2021 for uploads. Each athlete will create their own account and can update their profile at any time. The cost for identification is $47.50 USD.
*Note that the dates and location for the Pan Am Cup have yet to be finalized and are subject to change.
· Link to register: https://gmtm.com/virtuals/60/volleyball-canada-u21-mens-national-team-program
· Any questions can be directed to excellence@volleyball.ca
Photo: FIVB 2019 U21 Worlds
Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
Mobile: 613.794.7676