{
    "title": "Canada West approves SFU volleyball participation beginning in 2027-28",
    "modified_at": "2026-06-15 10:07:49",
    "published_at": "2026-06-15 07:54:00",
    "url": "https://canada-west.prezly.com/canada-west-approves-simon-fraser-universitys-application-for-volleyball",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/qJId",
    "culture": "en_GB",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "canada-west-approves-simon-fraser-universitys-application-for-volleyball",
    "body": "<p>June 15, 2026 - Canada West has approved Simon Fraser University&#039;s application to participate in both men&#039;s and women&#039;s volleyball beginning with the 2027-28 season, completing the sport approval process associated with SFU&#039;s return to the conference.</p><p>The approval follows further discussions between Simon Fraser University and Canada West members after women&#039;s volleyball was not initially supported during the conference&#039;s annual general meeting in May.</p><p>As part of the approval process, SFU has committed to adding a men&#039;s volleyball program alongside its existing women&#039;s team. Both programs will begin Canada West competition in 2027-28.</p><p>&ldquo;We sincerely appreciate the commitment of SFU to 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,&rdquo; says Ben Matchett, President, Canada West. </p><p>Women&#039;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&#039;s volleyball will further expand athletic opportunities for student-athletes at the university while strengthening the sport&#039;s footprint within Canada West.</p><p>&quot;Simon Fraser University is thrilled that Canada West has voted to include women&#039;s volleyball and add an SFU men&#039;s volleyball team,&quot; says Luc Simard, Executive Director, SFU Athletics and Recreation. </p><p>&quot;Women&#039;s volleyball has a long, successful history at SFU and we&#039;re excited to take on Canada&#039;s best teams in Canada West and U SPORTS.&quot;</p><p>The approval means SFU will now compete in Canada West men&#039;s and women&#039;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. </p><p>SFU was accepted as Canada West&#039;s 18th member in May following a membership vote at the conference&#039;s annual general meeting. The university was then approved as U SPORTS&#039; 59th member earlier in June. </p>",
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    "author": {
        "first_name": "Jamin",
        "last_name": "Heller"
    },
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}