NORCECA U19 Men’s Continental Volleyball Championship enhances Burnaby’s reputation as a host for international sport

From staging 22 games to housing and feeding more than 180 athletes, coaches and support staff from eight countries along with tournament staff, hosting the NORCECA U-19 Men’s Continental Volleyball Championship at Simon Fraser University has been an exciting time for the University’s Athletics and Recreation department. “We wanted to ensure that the experience reflected the professionalism and hospitality that SFU Athletics and Recreation strives for in every major event we host,” said David Roesch, manager, Facilities for the department. “I think that everyone involved has been thrilled with how the tournament has come together.” He credits a collaborative approach and months of preparation with NORCECA, Volleyball Canada, Tourism Burnaby and SFU’s Residence & Housing, and Meeting, Event & Conference Services staff.

The most interesting modification to the SFU West Gym was the installation of the volleyball court. “We received roughly 10 pallets of equipment from Volleyball Canada, which remained stored on site until their staff arrived a few days before the tournament,” said Roesch. “With assistance from members of the local SFU Volleyball Club, the flooring was laid down in segments over the course of many hours.”

One notable operational change for the venue was to block the sunlight glare from the large arched windows overlooking the gym. “This had the potential to create an unfair competitive advantage on one side of the court,” explained Roesch. “We had to work quickly with our SFU Facilities Services team to temporarily block that glare — which was no small feat given the scale and height of the windows. I was proud by how quickly and efficiently they responded to resolve this issue.”

The NORCECA tournament was also an opportunity for the university to demonstrate the full scope it can provide in terms of meals and accommodation when hosting large-scale events on campus. “Our team coordinated meal cards for athletes and tournament staff, ensuring they had access to three meals a day that aligned with the tournament schedule,” explained Jennifer Nadon, manager, SFU Guest Accommodations.  “In addition, we hosted a number of visiting family members and friends of the athletes throughout the tournament.”  SFU’s Towers and Courtyard Residences were used for the teams and tournament staff, while VIPs stayed at The Simon on-campus hotel. The meals were provided at the Dining Commons.

Hosting an international event of this magnitude enhances SFU as a trusted site for future high-level events, according to Roesch. “Our goal is for SFU to be viewed as a destination — not only for local community engagement and university programming — but also for international and high-profile sporting events. I think tournaments like this demonstrate both the quality of our facilities and the operational capabilities of the people working behind the scenes to support them.”

On a personal note, Roesch said it was incredible to be a part of such a passionate volleyball atmosphere. “One of my favorite parts has been seeing the different cultures, energy and expressions that each team and fan base brought to the event.”

Final Standings

Gold – Canada

Silver – United States

Bronze – Mexico

4^th – Costa Rica

5^th – Panama

6^th – Puerto Rico

7^th – Barbados

8^th – Dominican Republic

The top four have qualified 2027 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship.

Explore Burnaby is the presenting sponsor of the tournament.

Story by Sam Corea

Images courtesy of NORCECA and Volleyball Canada