North Shore volleyball coach arrested in sex assault investigation

A 50-year-old volleyball coach was arrested April 3 in relation to an ongoing sexual assault investigation in North Vancouver, police say.

According to Mounties, on Dec. 22, 2024, they received a report that a youth had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a volleyball coach.

Corp. Mansoor Sahak, media liaison officer for the North Vancouver RCMP, says the investigation involves allegations that potentially occurred over several years.

“It is concerning anytime an act like this occurs in our community,” Sahak said.

“What I can assure is that … we’re doing everything we can to protect the people that have been affected. The suspect accused has been released on conditions, and the conditions protect the people that have been affected.”

Sahak would not share exactly what the conditions of release are.

He says the arrested coach was working in a private youth league in North Vancouver.

According to BC Youth Volleyball’s coaching standards, coaches have to pass a criminal record check and take an abuse prevention course.

The coach is facing a potential sexual assault charge, but Crown prosecutors have not yet confirmed those details.

“The incident may have occurred over extended periods of time,” Sahak said.

“Through investigation, we have determined there could be additional people out there who have knowledge or further information that have yet to come forward. We’re asking those people to come forward.”

Sahak says this is an ongoing investigation involving allegations of sexual assault that took place over several years.