Summer Volleyball Training Program: Starts in June

By Gazette Staff

May 13th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Flames Volleyball is raising the standard for off-season development with the launch of its Flames Summer Training Program, a high-performance training environment led by current U SPORTS athletes, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) competitors, and elite-level guest coaches.

The program begins June 2 at multiple locations in Burlington, Ontario, including: Robert Bateman Community Centre, Alton Community Centre, and Tansley Wood Community Centre. The summer training program offers a selection of morning, afternoon and evening sessions.

At the core of the program is direct access to the next level. Throughout the summer, athletes will train alongside and learn from a rotating roster of university players and experienced coaches, bringing real-time insight, pace, and expectations from the OUA and post-secondary game directly into each session.

Designed for athletes aged 15–18, the program delivers a focused, high-intensity training experience where small-group instruction and game-speed execution drive measurable improvement. With strict capacity limits, every session ensures athletes receive meaningful reps, individualized feedback, and consistent exposure to high-performance coaching.

“This is about bringing the university gym into the summer environment,” said Jimmy Earl, Director, Flames Volleyball Club. “Athletes aren’t just training, they’re learning how the next level actually operates. The speed, the communication, the decision-making – it’s all built into every session.”

The summer-long coaching lineup includes:

• Will Brewer – Outside Hitter for the Windsor Lancers; Team Ontario Elite; OVA Champion, and two-time OUA Silver Medalist
• Matt Powell – Matthew Powell was named the 2026 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Volleyball Coach of the Year after leading the Seneca Sting.  Known for his focus on leadership, accountability, and holistic student-athlete development, Powell has built a culture of excellence both on and off the court. His impact has quickly positioned Seneca as one of the top rising programs in Canadian collegiate volleyball.
• Kai Taylor – Outside Hitter for Toronto Metropolitan University; U-16 indoor national championship, as well as a bronze medal at nationals for beach volleyball.
• Marko Milenkovic – Team Ontario coach and former TMU athlete; Marko Milenkovic is a Team Ontario Coach and former TMU/Ryerson athlete. He is a 3-time U Sports Academic All-Star Canadian, and 3-time OUA Academic Achievement Award. Before Ryerson he spent five years as a key member of the Toronto West VBC (2009-2014). He served four years as captain of the Toronto West VBC and was awarded Jr. Boys MVP (2012-13) and Sr. Boys MVP (2013-14) while playing for Richview Collegiate Institute

Featured guest coaching appearances throughout the summer also include: Matt Powell, CCAA Coach of the Year, who will be leading Tuesday evening sessions in June.

Additional university and high-performance guest coaches to be announced in the coming weeks.

Good so far – how did the opposing team handle the move?

“This program is built to reflect what training looks like at the university level,” added Will Brewer, who will oversee day-to-day training of the summer program. “We’re focused on creating a competitive environment where athletes are getting a high volume of quality reps, immediate feedback, and a clear understanding of the pace and expectations at the next level. With smaller groups, we’re able to coach details that make a real difference.”

Unlike traditional camps, the Flames Summer Training Program is structured as a progressive development system, where athletes build consistency, confidence, and performance through repetition, competition, and direct coaching feedback.

Program highlights:

• U SPORTS and OUA-level training environment
• Small-group sessions with a maximum 5:1 athlete-to-coach ratio
• High-repetition, game-speed skill development
• Tactical gameplay and decision-making training
• Integrated speed, agility, and movement work
• Competitive open gym and live-play environments

Programming runs throughout the summer with evening sessions beginning June 2 (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and daytime training launching June 8 (Monday to Thursday weekly, excluding the first week of August).

Capacity is limited to 15 athletes per session, ensuring a high-performance, high-touch coaching experience. Pricing begins at $40 per session or $60 for a full-day training block.

For more information and registration details, visit https://www.flamesvolleyball.com/

At the end of the game, it is the bonds created and how well you played.

About Flames Volleyball
Flames Volleyball is a Burlington-based, not-for-profit volleyball club focused on athlete development through high-quality coaching, structured training environments, and competitive gameplay opportunities. Operating year-round, Flames Volleyball provides programming for athletes across multiple age groups, with a strong emphasis on skill progression, game understanding, and long-term athlete growth.