Our origin story!
In 2020, a small group of dedicated parents recognized the growing number of girls eager to play volleyball during the high school season—and the lack of local opportunities available to them. They came together to create a fun, recreational, and developmental league for girls in our community. The response was overwhelming, with more than 80 girls participating in the first season. From that success, the Squamish Youth Girls Volleyball Club was born. Today, the club provides a welcoming outlet for physical, social, and athletic growth—something more important than ever for young people. Our program is led by passionate volunteer coaches with extensive volleyball backgrounds who are deeply committed to youth development. Built from the ground up as a true community club, Squamish Volleyball now supports five competitive teams competing up to the national level, alongside a weekly development night for new and experienced players in Squamish and Whistler. We are committed to reducing barriers to participation and ensuring this program remains accessible to all local families.
The research around girls in sport- Our why
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The findings of the Canadian Women in Sport Foundation Rally Report further highlighted the urgency of our mission, revealing “significant participation gaps and dropout rates for girls in Canadian sports, with 1 in 3 girls leaving sport by late adolescence, compared to 1 in 10 boys.” This trend was especially concerning given the mental health challenges, particularly among girls in the Sea to Sky region, that became more pronounced during lockdown. With the support of our committed volunteers, we set out to build a program focused on fostering personal growth, resilience, and empowering young people, especially girls, to gain the confidence they need to thrive both on and off the court.
We know from experience and research the impacts of involving and retaining teens in sport, especially girls, included but not limited to:
Working in collaboration with families, partners, and stakeholders, our club aims to foster community and promote volleyball in Sea to Sky. Our program offerings address these objectives. We understand that involving and retaining teen girls and youth in sport is a powerful tool for fostering their overall development, improving their health and well-being, and empowering them to thrive both on and off the court. These benefits have lasting impacts that extend far beyond sports, helping to shape confident, resilient, and socially engaged young women. Our Club directly continues to focus on and impact these positively within our Sea to Sky Community. |