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Canada West approves Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµvolleyball participation beginning in 2027-28

June 15, 2026

Canada West has approved Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's application to participate in both men's and women's volleyball beginning with the 2027-28 season, completing the sport approval process associated with SFU's return to the conference.

The approval follows further discussions between Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ and Canada West members after women's volleyball was not initially supported during the conference's annual general meeting in May.

As part of the approval process, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµhas committed to adding a men's volleyball program alongside its existing women's team. Both programs will begin Canada West competition in 2027-28.

“We sincerely appreciate the commitment of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµto work with our members to welcome the Red Leafs volleyball teams to Canada West in 2027-28, and we look forward to working together on the next steps of their transition to U SPORTS competition,â€� says Ben Matchett, President, Canada West. 

Women's volleyball has a long history at Simon Fraser, with the program competing for decades at the NAIA, U SPORTS and NCAA levels. The addition of men's volleyball will further expand athletic opportunities for student-athletes at the university while strengthening the sport's footprint within Canada West.

"Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ is thrilled that Canada West has voted to include women's volleyball and add an Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµmen's volleyball team," says Luc Simard, Executive Director, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµAthletics and Recreation. 

"Women's volleyball has a long, successful history at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµand we're excited to take on Canada's best teams in Canada West and U SPORTS."

The approval means Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµwill now compete in Canada West men's and women's basketball, volleyball, cross country, indoor track and field, soccer, swimming, and wrestling beginning in 2027-28. The Red Leafs will continue to participate as members of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (NCAA Division II) for the upcoming 2026-27 season. 

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµwas accepted as Canada West's 18th member in May following a membership vote at the conference's annual general meeting. The university was then approved as U SPORTS' 59th member earlier in June. 

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