The U15 girls’ National Volleyball championships took place in the BMO Centre in Calgary, Alberta, from May 25th to 27th. This event allowed Le Club Essor de Quebec to perform at a higher level and compete against different teams.
In fact, this tournament welcomed skilled teams from Canada’s provinces, such as British Columbia, Ontario, and many others, to participate. Many talented players were given a beautiful opportunity to showcase the talent they had developed over the years.
The big winners in Tier 1 were the British Columbia Ducks. Their remarkable performance led them to the win.
Club Essor’s first team finished 21st out of 343 teams. After a perfect record of six wins during the first two competing days, they lost in quarter final wednesay morning. The team they played against finished in first place in tier 3 and was probably the Best in this category.
” The loss was very painful, but we are still so proud of our performance,” said one of the players.
Many teams from Québec participated in this tournament. Out of all Teams, Club Essors’ incredible performance made them finish in the second-highest place in the City.
Hours and hours were dedicated to practicing for the Essors tournament. Every Sunday, for three hours, these players played the game they love and got prepared for all their performances. A lot of effort was required not only by them but also from their coaches, who made all of this possible. Their progression during the season impressed everyone.
At first, Club Essors’ first team was supposed to be in the excellence circuit, but unfortunately, they didn’t access it. Instead, they played in the D1 category and won all three of their tournaments. They also participated in La classique des citadelles and played against U16, but still won first place. This team was the element of surprise at the provincial tournament, as the elite teams had not seen them play before. They beat some of them and finished second best in the province of Quebec.
” It was hard to wake up in the morning, but all these hours of practice were worth it every single time,” said one girl.
Let’s not forget the players’ parents, who, without them, wouldn’t have been possible. Their participation was necessary for this trip, and all the cheering they gave throughout the season was beneficial for the girls while they were playing. It was also a very cool experience for them to watch their kid play at a higher level and have fun with their teammates.
” I have always loved to watch my kids enjoy their sport, and this tournament really was an incredible moment not only for them but also for us,” said one of the parents.
For this tournament, a great deal of preparation was required not only from an athletic standpoint but also in terms of fundraising. Indeed, the U15 team organised many fundraising activities, including Maxi wrapping services, a dinner at La Cage au sport, working at Peps for différent évents, and other initiatives. All of these helped to finance this incredible trip and significantly reduced the amount each player had to pay.
This event was a beautiful opportunity for team bonding because of all the time the girls spent together and with their coaches. They were together for three competing days, but also played games and ate dinner at the hotel, which got them closer.
The BMO Centre welcomed many volleyball shops for the players, including clothes, souvenirs, and small things they can attach to their bags. This allowed the participants and parents to buy stuff and remember this incredible experience.
For many people, it was their first time taking a plane, making this trip even more impressive. Some took a direct flight, and others made a stopover. At the airports, lots of teens were wearing national clothes and proved that many of them participated.
Many players benefited from the place to visit all the beautiful spots near Calgary. During their free Time, a lot of girls and their families went to Banff, Lake Louise, and other lakes. Those visits made their trip even better and allowed them to see incredible landscapes.
This big event didn’t only take place in Calgary but also in Ottawa, Edmonton, Mississauga, and Moncton for people of different ages.
