In the spring of 2015, when the doors opened to the Mattamy National Cycling Center (also known as the Velodrome), a new era for competitive cycling in Milton and surrounding areas was born. The opening of the Velodrome also presented an opportunity for the growth of another competitive sport in Milton. With three spacious infield gym courts and virtually no ceiling, the Velodrome presented ideal conditions for volleyball.
It was the opportunity Milton Edge club founders Robert and Madhavi Bishop were looking for as they considered starting a Milton based rep volleyball club. In late 2014, after years of driving their daughter to the far reaches of Oakville and Burlington to play rep volleyball, they made inquires about the Velodrome and quickly realized its potential as a home base for an Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) club. After many meetings with other interested parents, some serendipitous networking to find experienced coaches (such as the club’s first Technical Director, Raymond Fox), and abundant support from the Town, the Milton Edge Volleyball Club was born in Feb 2015.
Although the original plan for the inaugural year was to field only 1 or 2 teams, the club executive quickly realized that there was plenty of local demand for rep volleyball. This demand translated into the club running 5 teams and winning 5 OVA medals, including a gold medal at the Ontario Provincial Championships – an unheard-of accomplishment for a first-year club. Now, three years later the Milton Edge has grown to 11 teams and is the largest rep volleyball club in Halton. This year Edge teams won 23 OVA medals, including 7 at Provincials. The Edge also saw its 14u boys travel to Edmonton to play at the Canadian Nationals and the 15u girls compete in the East Coast Championships in Pittsburgh.
On May 5th, club members and special guests, including Town Councillor Arnold Huffman, met at the Milton Banquet and Conference Centre to celebrate and acknowledge athletic excellence. “The year end banquet is a great way to wrap up the season and to allow coaches, players and parents to celebrate our successes” said club president Robert Bishop. “And with 23 medals this year, we have a lot to celebrate!!”
In a very short time Edge volleyball has become a fixture in the Milton sports scene. The club takes pride in being the only local, “grass roots”, incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of volleyball for Milton youth. For more information about the Milton Edge, please visit their website: miltonedge.com
Photos by: Melanie Webster