Before the first practice
- Non-marking indoor court shoes that stay indoors
- Knee pads made for volleyball
- A big water bottle labelled with your athlete’s name
Parent Resources · Calgary
Club Volleyball Gear and Food for Teen Athletes
What your athlete needs in the bag, and how to feed a teenager through practice nights and full tournament days.
Gear
What Your Teen Needs for Club Volleyball
The Skyline Alberta season fee covers the team uniform, so there is not much to buy. Get the first card sorted before practice starts, and add the rest during the season.
Helpful extras
- Shorts and a T-shirt for training, and no jewellery
- Hair elastics, and short nails
- A volleyball for home passing practice
During the season
- The team uniform, which the season fee covers
- Ankle braces, but only when a physiotherapist recommends them
- A warm hoodie, snacks and a phone charger for long tournament days
Food and Water
Food and Water for Teen Volleyball Players
A teenager training several evenings a week needs regular meals, real food and plenty of water, and no supplements.
Before
A full meal two to three hours ahead, or a small snack like fruit, yogurt or toast an hour before.
During
Drink at every break and top up the bottle. A headache or feeling thirsty means drink more.
After
Within an hour, protein with carbs helps the body recover: chocolate milk, eggs, a sandwich, pasta or rice.
Food plan for tournament days
- A proper breakfast before leaving home, such as oatmeal, eggs, toast or fruit.
- Small, familiar snacks every hour or two: bananas, orange slices, crackers or sandwiches.
- Some venues are nut-free, so check before you pack trail mix.
- Try new foods some other day, and skip greasy take-out.
- No energy drinks. The Canadian Paediatric Society advises children and teens not to drink them. Water should be the main drink, with sports drinks kept for long, hot days.
Programs
Volleyball Camps and Programs in Calgary
From drop-in open gyms to summer day camps and position training, there is a Skyline program for every young player.
