Chandran, whose peers at Forest City Volleyball Club (FCVC) affectionately call ‘Chuck’, started playing volleyball in elementary school and from that point on would be glued to the game, leading successful career as a player and coach to the London areas athletes. He played all four years as a student at Banting Secondary School which was highlighted by a WOSSA Championship victory in his senior year. Chuck would also play at the club level with the Kineldiego Volleyball Club, an early incarnation of the current FCVC.
Pursuing the game at the next level, Chuck kept his feet firm in London and enrolled at the University of Western Ontario (now Western University) and played for the Mustangs under the direction of the local sports legend and OVA Hall of Fame inductee Vaughan Peckham, who became an important figure to the young Chelladurai. The two would cross paths later on.
While at Western, Chuck got his coaching reps started by returning to his stomping grounds at Banting Secondary as the assistant coach. Years later, he would lead the junior boys team as Head Coach. Seeing the growth of volleyball in his native London and with the success of the long-running FCVC, Chelladurai joined its founder, Peckham, once more in 2005 and for over 15 years has coached countless athletes navigating the FCVC pathway and has led teams to provincial and national success; a notable moment of which is earning a National Championship with his 16U girls team.
He’s brought an endless amount of energy to FCVC and over the years became increasingly involved within the club’s operations. Having been a dedicated parent, volunteer, coach and board member, it was time to take on new responsibilities. In 2013, Chuck would take the reigns as President of FCVC, succeeding his mentor Vaughan Peckham to carry the commitment to excellence. After three years as President the baton was handed to Tom Kerkhoff, but Chuck still provided his wisdom and guidance in the Past President capacity. Currently, Chuck is the Head Coach of the 13U girls Lorax.
Chelladurai’s passion for the game has passed down to his children, who went on to pursue volleyball in the OUA. His daughter, Michelle, was the 2015 Evelyn Holick Award winner and sparked an impressive career with the McMaster Marauders. Congratulations, Chuck!