Whether you are new to club volleyball or a returning player, we realize there are questions you may have about 204. Before tryouts in December, we suggest reading to avoid any surprises during the season!
Volleyball Manitoba has done a great job explaining how club volleyball works. You can view their FAQ at the link below:
VOLLEYBALL MANITOBA FAQ
As each club operates in their own manner, we have put together some info that is specific to 204!
How long has 204 been around? Where did you get the name?
204 was founded in the fall of 2009 by Dan Gilbert and Jared Brown. Dan and Jared were assistants with the University of Manitoba men's team and were heavily involved with Bison Volleyball Club. They wanted to start a new club that represented the entire province. The area code for Manitoba was a perfect fit. Their vision was to develop players for U Sport while also having team success in the club season. Since 2010, over 80 alumni have gone on to play post-secondary volleyball. We are excited for our 15th season in 2024 where we hope to run 15 teams!
When are tryouts? How much does it cost to tryout?
Tryouts are December 9-11 at CMU. Athletes must pre-register HERE before they can attend. Once you register, there is a $30 tryout fee that must be sent via e transfer to brown@204volleyball.com
When does the season start? How long does it last?
Once tryouts wrap up in December, we have a parent meeting to do gear fitting and outline the season. We then take a break over the Holidays and return to the gym in early January. Provincial championships typically take place in late April and early May. For those teams who attend Nationals, they are generally held no later than the May long weekend.
How many practices a week? Where do you practice?
Our 13U-15U teams will typically practice 2-3 times a week, while our 16U-18U teams will practice 2-4 times a week. We have gym time at multiple facilities throughout the city, but Linden Woods is our main hub. We rent from Soul Sanctuary, Linden Woods Community Centre and CMU. We also have time at Balmoral Hall.
Does your club do strength and conditioning?
From our very first season in 2010, we have felt S&C is an integral part of our program. Not only does it help our athletes in their current performance on the court, but it also prepares them for their training at the post secondary level. Since the 2019 season, we have been very fortunate to work with RINK TESTIFY PERFORMANCE as our official training partner. We feel they are the best in the city and feature a start of the art gym with top-of-the-line trainers and equipment. Our 15U-18U teams train twice a week while our 13U-14U teams go once, biweekly. This is not an optional part of 204 and we expect the athletes to treat it as imporant as their time on court.
When are the games?
Unlike school volleyball, there is no league for club. The entire season is weekend tournament based. Most clubs will host their own tournament while Volleyball Manitoba also hosts premier events. Our older teams will also travel out of the province for invitational events.
My son plays hockey, basketball and/or soccer. Can he do both?
At 204, we have always encouraged multi-sport athletes. We believe that volleyball is a late specialization sport and we do not want young men focusing on one sport. Studies show that participating in multiple activities will help develop motor skills while also teaching athletes how to handle time management, communication and important life skills. Our only expectation is that athletes clearly communicate with their coaches on potential conflicts.
Where are Nationals? Does my son have to attend?
Volleyball Canada typically hosts multiple events each season in different locations. For 2024, all ages will be in Edmonton. The following dates have been confirmed:
14U - May 16-18
15U - May 16-18
16U - May 24-26
17U - May 24-26
18U - May 20-22
If your son is selected for a team, the expectation is that he will attend the Nationals in May. If you foresee a conflict, please speak to the coach immediately as this may factor into decisions at tryouts. We would not "cut" a player based on this information but want to ensure that we are aware as we don't want to select a team with only 7-8 athletes who can attend. Due to the fact that we have 2-3 teams per age, we can potentially split those athletes evenly and ensure all teams can attend.
How much does the season cost? What is all covered in my fees?
Club volleyball has many expenses that the school volleyball does not. Though volleyball is fairly inexpensive with the required equipment, there are still many costs in the season. Your club fees cover practice time, equipment, insurance, registration, strength and conditioning, certification, honorariums, admin and tournaments. For the 2024 season, the estimated club fees are:
13U/14U - $1000 - $1100
15U/16U - $1300 - $1400
17U/18U - $1400 - $1500
All athletes must also purchase club gear. This includes jerseys, shorts, hoodie, pants, t shirts and backpack. The 13U/14U gear package is roughly $400-$450 and the 15U-18U gear package is $500-$550. The gear package is mandatory with the exception of the backpack for returning players.
All travel expenses are additional on top of the club fees. The estimated travel fees are:
Brandon (all ages) - $75 - $100
BOW (17U/18U) - $500 - $600
Nationals (15U-18U) - $500 - $600
Are there payment plans? Does your club offer financial assistance?
All club fees are paid via e transfer. We ask for equal installments on the first of each month from January to May. Athletes who have not paid in full will not be eligible to participate in Provincials and Nationals. Those who require an extended payment plan can contact club director Jared Brown to make arrangements. We also offer a bursary program that has been created through our camps. Those who qualify will receive a credit once they have fulfilled their commitment. We do not want any athletes to be turned away due to the expenses of the season, so we encourage you to work with us to find a solution.
We realize this may be overwhelming, but we want to ensure all athletes and parents know exactly what to expect before they make the commitment to 204. We do not want to scare anyone away from playing so we want you to contact us if you are unsure that you can make it work. We look forward to seeing you at our tryouts in December! Best of luck in volleyball.
