Volleyball sports exchange in Canada: train and study at the William Academy
The William Academy Vikings offers one of the most comprehensive sports exchange opportunities for volleyball athletes in Canada. With a specific focus on the development of young female talent aged 14 to 17, the program combines elite training with international quality education.
Located in Cobourg, Ontario, the campus is just 300 meters from one of the most beautiful beaches in the province, creating a unique environment where athletes can train court volleyball during the week and play beach volleyball on the weekends.
Why choose William Academy for volleyball
The William Academy volleyball program is differentiated by its holistic approach. With only 14 athletes selected annually, each player receives individualized attention from specialized technicians who work with the clear objective: to prepare athletes to win full scholarships at Division I universities in the United States.
Professional training framework
- Over 100 hours of annual training
- Renovated indoor gym with modern equipment
- Complete fitness center for fitness
- Specific training for individual technical development
- Athlete-led sessions for sports autonomy
The weekly schedule includes intensive practices from Monday to Friday, with 2-hour sessions focused on fundamentals, game tactics, and specific physical conditioning for volleyball.
Official registration and high-level competitions
William Academy is acquiring official club status of the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA), providing athletes with participation in provincial competitions against elite teams. This certification guarantees that female players compete at the highest level of Canadian youth volleyball.
The competitions include trips across the province of Ontario, offering constant exposure to university scouts and technicians from elite programs. For those seeking this combination of sport and education, it is worth knowing more about boarding school in Canada: combine studies and elite sports.
Parallel academic development
In addition to intensive sports training, female athletes strictly follow the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) curriculum. This degree is recognized worldwide and facilitates admissions to prestigious international universities.
Flexible academic system
The William Academy operates on a four-term basis, allowing athletes to focus on just two subjects per term. This structure reduces academic stress and allows greater dedication to training without compromising academic performance.
Student-athletes maintain a balanced routine:
- Morning: Two intensive class sessions
- Afternoon: Technical training and fitness
- Night: Supervised studies and free time
Campus life and cultural immersion
Integrated accommodation
The Cobourg campus offers secure dorms with shared rooms (two athletes per room), creating an environment of sporting camaraderie. Houseparents reside on campus 24 hours a day, ensuring constant supervision and emotional support.
Multicultural environment
With athletes from different countries, the William Academy provides a rich cultural exchange. This diversity prepares young people for international competitions and develops communication skills essential for global sports careers.
The multicultural experience is especially valuable for athletes who want to understand different playing styles and sporting philosophies. Learn more about How to do an exchange in Canada in 2025 to understand the educational opportunities in the country.
Success stories: Mia Lemke in the spotlight
Mia Lemke, captain of the team at 14, exemplifies the development potential in the program. Playing both as a striker and as a center back, she was selected to Team Ontario after just two years of volleyball.
His recognition includes the “Most Dedicated Award” in the first year and participation in training with the best young athletes in the province. These achievements demonstrate how the program accelerates the development of emerging talent.
Sports scholarships and financial support
Types of scholarships available
William Academy offers full and partial athletic scholarships for exceptional athletes who demonstrate academic and sporting excellence:
- Full bag: It covers monthly fees, housing, food and expenses related to sports
- Partial bag: Proportional coverage based on performance and need
- Annual renewal: Based on active participation and maintenance of satisfactory grades
Assessment process
The guidance team and technicians evaluate female candidates based on academic performance, athletic ability, and general attitude. Athletes with academic results below expectations may undergo interviews to assess motivation and potential for improvement.
Requirements and application process
Ideal candidate profile
- Age: 14 to 17 years old (grades 9-11 in the Canadian system)
- Birthday after September 1st for 17-year-old athletes
- Proven experience In competitive volleyball
- Intermediate English (leveling test will be applied)
- Academic commitment Demonstrated sporty
Required Documentation
- Academic record for the last two years
- Game and training videos
- Recommendation letters from technicians
- Proof of sports experience
- Valid identification documentation
Ideal destination for young athletes
Cobourg offers a safe and welcoming environment for international students. This charming lake city combines the tranquility needed for studying with access to Toronto (1 hour away) for urban cultural experiences.
For families considering international programs for teens, it's important to understand whether exchange for teenagers: is high school always the best option? to make informed decisions.
Postgraduate opportunities
American universities
Graduates of the William Academy program regularly enter American Division I universities with full athletic scholarships. Intensive preparation and competitive exposure provide a significant advantage in university selection processes.
Recognition in Brazil
The OSSD degree obtained at William Academy is internationally recognized. For students planning to return to Brazil, it is worth checking how Is high school in Canada recognized in Brazil: validation and equivalence.
Canadian sports culture
Canada has a strong tradition in team sports and offers an ideal environment for athletic development. Discover 10 fun facts about high school in Canada which show how the country values the combination of education and sports.
The proximity to the United States allows Canadian athletes to regularly participate in American competitions, increasing exposure and university recruitment opportunities.
Sports exchange in addition to volleyball
O sports exchange program Be Easy offers opportunities at more than 200 institutions in the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. In addition to volleyball, athletes can explore sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, and tennis.
Sports modalities available
- Soccer: Personalized programs at elite gyms
- Basketball: High performance training with university exposure
- Baseball: Competitions in recognized leagues
- Sneakers: Specialized academies with professional infrastructure
- Other modalities: Check availability for specific sports
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about volleyball at William Academy
1. What is the minimum technical level required to enter the program?
There is no pre-established minimum level, as each candidate is evaluated individually. Athletes at different levels are considered as long as they demonstrate commitment and development potential.
2. Are English classes included in the program?
Yes, students take a placement assessment and are allocated to one of five ESL levels at no additional cost. English is developed naturally through academic and sports immersion.
3. How many competitions do athletes participate in during the year?
The athletes regularly compete in provincial OVA tournaments, in addition to friendly games and internal competitions. The calendar includes approximately 15-20 annual competitive events.
4. Is it possible to reconcile other sports besides volleyball?
The program is intensive and focused specifically on volleyball. However, athletes can participate in recreational activities such as beach volleyball, which complements the main training.
5. How does the recruitment process for American universities work?
Technicians maintain direct contacts with Division I university programs and facilitate the recruitment process through videos, performance statistics, and personalized recommendations.
Be Easy
A Be Easy connects talented athletes to international sports programs that open doors to successful careers. With more than 17 years of experience in sports exchanges, our specialized team offers complete support from the assessment of the athletic profile to the arrival at the destination. Our goal is to transform your sporting talent into exceptional educational and professional opportunities. Get in touch with us and discover how we can help you achieve your sporting dreams on the international stage.
