🏐 Welcome to Fortress Volleyball Club! Whether you're new to volleyball or joining from another club, we're excited to have you. Below are frequently asked questions to help you understand what to expect during the club season.
🔍 Tryouts
Q: When are tryouts held?
A: Depending on your age group, tryouts begin as early as September We follow the timeline set out by Volleyball Alberta's Tryout Window. Dates will be posted on our website and social media.
Q: Do I need to register for tryouts?
A: Yes. All athletes must pre-register on SportLomo through Volleyball Alberta. Select "Youth Development Player - Tryout". Proof of registration will be required at tryouts!
Q: How are athletes evaluated?
A: Evaluations are based on skill (serving, passing, setting, hitting), athleticism, teamwork, coachability, and positional needs. Multiple sessions may be used to assess players fairly.
🧢 Team Selection
Q: How are teams selected?
A: Coaches and evaluators use a combination of skill assessments, attitude, and positional balance to build competitive, developmentally appropriate teams. Offers may be extended during or shortly after tryouts.
Q: When will I find out if I made a team?
A: Per Volleyball Alberta policy, official offers can be made starting on Signing Day, which occurs after the Tryout Window. Athletes have 48 hours to accept or decline.
Q: What age categories do you offer?
A: We plan on fielding teams in the U12 to U18 age categories, depending on interest and coach availability. Age is determined by Volleyball Alberta’s Age Class Guidelines.
💰 Club Fees
Q: What are the club fees for the season?
A: Fees range from $1,250 to $2,500, depending on age level, number of tournaments, travel, and training hours. U12 and U13 teams are typically less expensive than older age groups as they don't play at Nationals.
Q: What do club fees include?
A: Fees generally cover:
-Gym rentals
-Coaching honorariums
-Uniforms & apparel
-Volleyball Alberta tournament entry fees
-Admin and insurance
-Equipment and supplies
Q: Are there any additional costs?
A: Travel (hotels, meals, transportation) and national championship participation (if applicable) are not included in standard fees. Team fundraising can help to offset some of these costs.
Q: Is financial assistance available?
A: Yes. We encourage families to apply to programs like KidSport and Jumpstart. Please reach out to our Club President for support or questions about financial assistance.
B. We also offer the option for families to pay their club fees in four installments.
🏐 Season Expectations
Q: How long is the club season?
A: The season runs from late October to May, with National Championships in May for teams that qualify and choose to attend.
Q: How often do teams practice?
A: Most teams practice 2–3 times per week, typically on weekday evenings. Additional weekend, and fitness or skill sessions may be scheduled.
Q: Why do we have practices at strange hours and so many locations throughout the tri-area? Why can’t we be dedicated to one site?
A: We compete with many other clubs, teams, leagues, and other groups for court time. Our gym coordinator who works closely with the coaches and facilities to try to accommodate everyone. We will continue to request additional time at the schools in Spruce Grove and Stony Plain in order to try and reduce time at schools that are not ideal volleyball facilities (gym space or equipment issues), however we often must accept what we're given.
Q: How many tournaments will we attend?
A: Teams usually participate in:
-Host tournament
-2-3 Premier Events (Volleyball Alberta)
-1 Provincial Championship
-Optional: Invitational tournaments and Nationals (for qualifying teams)
Q: Are practices mandatory?
A: Yes! Consistent attendance is important for team and player development. We understand emergencies happen, but athletes are expected to commit to their team’s schedule.
📋 Other Information
Q: Do I need my own equipment?
A: Players should have:
-Indoor court shoes (non marking soles)
-Knee pads
-Water bottle
-Volleyball (recommended for home practice)
Q: Who are the coaches?
A: Our coaching staff include trained and certified coaches with experience playing and coaching at various levels. All coaches have completed "Respect in Sport", background checks, and "Safe Sport" training per Volleyball Alberta requirements.
Q: How do you communicate with families?
A: We use email, TeamSnap, and our website to share schedules, updates, and announcements. We also share a look behind the scenes at what happens during practices, or games on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
📞 Contact Us
Still have questions? Email us at: info@fortressvolleyball.ca
We look forward to an exciting and successful season!