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
Paul Kelly
A lucky husband and the proud father of three daughters, all of whom play volleyball, among other sports. 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 the 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 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 Kinesiology. As a middle blocker for the FOG Black Volleyball Club, Coach Blake is enthusiastic about imparting her knowledge and skills to younger athletes.
Coach Taylor @taylorkelly_vb
Raised in the Edmonton area, she is our youngest emerging coach. 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. Currently navigating Junior High, she is committed to advancing both her academic and volleyball careers. She is enthusiastic about contributing to the development of her fellow 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.