MYOF and Maverick Athletes Give Back During Ottawa’s First City-Wide Youth Volleyball Tournament

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Maverick Youth Opportunities Fund (MYOF) and Maverick Volleyball proudly supported the City of Ottawa’s first city-wide youth volleyball tournament at the Hunt Club–Riverside Community Centre.

Sponsored by Tony Graham Lexus Toyota, the tournament was designed to bring together youth aged 12–18 from various community centres serving Ottawa’s priority neighbourhoods for a day of friendly competition, teamwork and community connection. The tournament hosted co-ed teams from Huntclub-Riverside, Foster Farm, and Dempsey Community Centres, and the excitement of girls and boys in representing their community was on display throughout the tournament!

From Community Outreach to City-Wide Opportunity

This tournament marks an exciting milestone.

Traditionally, the City’s annual sponsored tournament has featured basketball or soccer. However, MYOF’s Rise & Rally volleyball outreach initiative, delivered last spring in partnership with the Hunt Club–Riverside Community Centre, helped facilitate the City to introduce volleyball as a new opportunity for young people.

Through the Rise & Rally funding, youth who might otherwise face barriers to organized sport were introduced to volleyball through skills development workshops with Maverick certified coaches, NCCP training for community coaches, as well as volleyball equipment.

The decision to feature volleyball in this year’s city-wide tournament demonstrates how community partnerships can create lasting opportunities, extending the impact of a single outreach initiative well beyond its original participants.

Maverick Athletes Step Up as Community Leaders

MYOF was especially proud of the athletes from the 16U Maverick Bulls and Longhorns, who volunteered their time to help make the tournament possible. This participation was facilitated by Coach Ben Jolicouer, an exceptional leader who truly exemplifies the Maverick Way, who organized the U16 teams’ involvement.

Taking on important roles as referees, scorekeepers and line judges, the athletes helped ensure the games ran smoothly while creating a positive and encouraging environment for participants.

The Bulls supported the round-robin competition, while the Longhorns stepped in to officiate the playoffs.

Beyond their responsibilities on the court, these young volunteers had an opportunity to serve as role models for other youth, demonstrating leadership, teamwork and a commitment to giving back. Throughout the tournament, they interacted with community athletes.

Their involvement reflected the values of the Maverick Way: being prepared, on-time, inspirational, present, brave, respectful, reflective, thankful and patient. 

Building Connections Through Sport

For MYOF, the tournament represented more than a day of volleyball. It was an opportunity to connect young people from different communities, encourage participation in sport and demonstrate the positive impact of youth helping youth.

By supporting this event, Maverick athletes experienced firsthand how their skills, time and enthusiasm can make a meaningful difference in their community.

It also reinforced an important part of MYOF’s mission: investing in opportunities that empower and transform youth to achieve their aspirations.

A Community Effort Worth Celebrating

A heartfelt thank-you to the Maverick Bulls and Longhorns, their coaches and families for supporting this important community initiative. Their willingness to volunteer reflects the spirit of service and community leadership that makes the Maverick community so special.

MYOF also extends its appreciation to the City of Ottawa, the Hunt Club–Riverside Community Centre and Tony Graham Lexus Toyota for making this event possible and for recognizing the potential of volleyball to engage and inspire young people.

Lastly, thank you to Volleyball Canada for administering the Rise & Rally Grant, funded by the Government of Canada, for providing the opportunity to support community outreach initiatives that introduce volleyball in our community.

What began as a community volleyball outreach initiative has grown into a city-wide opportunity—demonstrating how investing in access to sport can create a ripple effect of participation, connection and community impact.