Who We Are: Our Story, Our Mission, Our Team
About
Northern Lights Athletic Club (NLAC) is a family operated nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing sport training for kids. The founders of NLAC identified a need for quality sport programming in Edmonton that focuses on multi-dimensional youth development. While many excellent volleyball training programs exist, they often come with substantial costs.
NLAC aims to offer volleyball training programs while taking strides to remove financial barriers for families and providing kids with opportunities they might not otherwise have. Volleyball will be the cornerstone of NLAC, but as we recruit coaches passionate about developing the whole athlete, additional programs will emerge.
NLAC will foster a culture where athletes build self-confidence, leadership, and courage. Kids will be encouraged to treat themselves kindly, embrace mistakes as part of taking risks, and understand that everyone faces hardships but can grow stronger from them. They will learn mindfulness, focusing on the present and what they can control, rather than worrying about the future or uncontrollable factors. Most importantly, kids will learn that they are capable of being resilient by overcoming challenges and doing hard things.
Our Mission
Developing leaders through sport to become leaders in life.
Our Core Values
Our core values are those that are embodied by all leaders
Integrity – Be accountable to yourself and others. Be trusted, disciplined, and prepared. Always give your best at what you do.
Respect – Treat everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of who they are. We win with humility and lose with grace. Respect is not commanded, but is earned through our behaviour.
Courage – Be brave, strong and confident. Make the hard choices. Take risks without fear of failure. Be comfortable in the uncomfortable.
Community – Service over self. We work as a team to grow as a team. We care for each other and are always there to support a teammate.
Meet The Team
Our team operates as a close-knit family, united by a shared mission: to develop youth into confident, capable athletes and well-rounded individuals. Each coach embodies the core values of leadership, integrity, and dedication. We are driven by a deep passion for the sport and a commitment to empowering those around us to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.
Paul Kelly
A lucky husband and the proud father of three daughters, all of whom play volleyball. Raised in Peace River, he relocated to Edmonton during his teenage years. At the young age of 22, Coach Paul embarked on a law enforcement career, where he cultivated his passion for community service and leadership. Now, as he approaches the end of his career, he is shifting his focus to serve the community differently by promoting sports among youth. Coach Paul is currently a Trained Developmental Coach with the Coaching Association of Canada, and continues to build on his coaching and leadership knowledge.
Kelsie Kelly @kelsiekellyphoto
The marketing and brand genius behind Northern Lights Athletic Club. She was born and raised in Edmonton and has been a professional photographer for a decade. At times, she will be seen on the courts capturing photos of the athletes.
Coach Blake @blakekelly_vb
Raised in the Edmonton area, she developed a passion for volleyball at the age of seven, inspired the gift of a volleyball from a family friend and former University of Alberta Pandas coach. Currently a student at Jasper Place High School, she is diligently preparing for a future career in coaching and teaching.
Coach Taylor @taylorkelly_vb
The youngest of our coaches, she initially honed her skills under the mentorship of her older sister, Coach Blake, and now benefits from the guidance of her coaches at the Pandas Volleyball Club and Aspire Beach Volleyball Academy. As a strong hitter and accurate server, Coach Taylor is a quiet leader who leads by example. She is enthusiastic about contributing to the development of her fellow athletes.
Coach Maddy @_maddyhomansports_
Entering into her last year of High School, Coach Maddy is setting her sights on post secondary volleyball. Her volleyball journey began well before her club career at the 13U level, and she brings a deep passion for the sport. She is an amazing setter, but is also known for her exceptional serving skills and her ability to take control of a game. Coach Maddy offers a wealth of experience and is a leader on an off the court. She is eager to share her knowledge and inspire the next generation of young leaders.
Coach Paisley @paisleypetryshynvolleyball
Also entering into her last year of High School, Coach Paisley is our most recent addition. She too is setting her sights on post secondary volleyball. She is a powerful hitter who can make a game changing play with a hit, block or a dig from the back row. Coach Paisley is another young female athlete that has gown into a leader on an off the court. She is excited to share her knowledge and help grow the next generation of younger athletes.
Sponsors are the support that allow us to keep our cost down and deliver a strong program to the community. If you wish to become a sponsor of our program, please contact us at info@northernlightsathletic.com and we would be excited to work with you.
Sponsors & Partners
Technicare Premier Photo Lab
Provider of our camp t-shirts and printing needs.