World-class volleyball heats up in Kingston with women's U19 tournament at Queen's

The Pan-Am Cup is seen as a warm-up to the U19 World Championships happening next month in Croatia and Serbia.

Some of the best female indoor volleyball teams are in Kingston for the Women's U19 Pan-Am Cup.

The tournament is taking place this week inside the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) at Queen's University.

7 countries are taking part in this tournament which began on Tuesday: Canada, USA, Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.

Volleyball Canada's Director of International Events Alan Ahac says people can expect to see great volleyball throughout the tournament.

As for Team Canada, Ahac says there are number of athletes on the team who can really play the sport.

The Pan-Am tournament is seen as a warm-up to the U19 World Championships happening next month in Croatia and Serbia.

Ahac says volleyball has grown tremendously in Canada over the last several years and interest in the sport has never been greater.

Canada is in a group with Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic while the second group has the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.

Canada and the US won't face each other in the preliminary round.

Ahac says, like other sports, Canada vs. US will be a must-see event if the two countries meet in the elimination round.

In addition to the games, there is a coaching symposium that will take place this Saturday at Queen's supported by the Ontario Volleyball Association.

More information, tickets and a full schedule on the U19 Girls Pan-Am Cup can be found by going to Volleyball Canada's website. 

Story by Ken Hashizume