In an ambitious display of commitment to global volleyball development, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) orchestrated a remarkable series of coaching courses throughout June 2025. This intensive program, spanning 18 distinct courses across 14 diverse nations and touching all five continental confederations, served as a powerful testament to the sport`s ever-expanding reach and its dedication to elevating professional standards from grassroots to elite levels.
The month-long initiative saw coaches immerse themselves in a robust curriculum covering FIVB Coaches Course Levels I, II, and III for traditional volleyball, alongside specialized courses for beach volleyball. Each program was meticulously coordinated with national federations, ensuring local relevance and maximum impact. A significant number of these initiatives also received crucial support from Olympic Solidarity, highlighting the broader sports community`s investment in volleyball`s future.
Cultivating Expertise: Theory Meets Practice
The essence of these courses lay in their balanced approach, seamlessly blending theoretical instruction with dynamic, practical on-court sessions. Under the guidance of seasoned FIVB-appointed instructors, participants delved into critical areas such as technical skill development, intricate game systems, and comprehensive athlete preparation. This dual focus ensured that coaches not only absorbed foundational knowledge but could immediately apply it in real-world scenarios, transforming abstract concepts into tangible coaching prowess.
A notable trend observed across many courses was the enthusiastic participation of full groups, often featuring a strong presence of women coaches. This demographic diversity, coupled with the varied host venues, underscored the burgeoning global demand for formal, structured coach education, reflecting a sport keen on fostering inclusivity and broad-based talent development.
Spotlight on Global Impact: Selected Highlights
Caribbean Tides: Beach Volleyball in St. Kitts & Nevis
The sun-kissed shores of Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, played host to an FIVB Coaches Course for Beach Volleyball from June 2 to 6. This Olympic Solidarity-sponsored event drew 26 participants, including nine women, eager to master the nuances of the sand game. Led by instructor Rick Bevis, the course thrived on the diverse experience levels within the group. Uniquely, the course ran parallel to an athlete training camp and the ECVA Championships, providing coaches with an invaluable opportunity to apply newly acquired knowledge in a live competitive environment. One might say, the practical application was as real as the sand between their toes.
Ascending to New Heights: Level III in Ecuador
From June 4 to 11, Quito, Ecuador, became a hub for advanced coaching as it welcomed an FIVB Coaches Course Level III Volleyball, also supported by Olympic Solidarity. This Spanish-language course gathered 32 coaches under the tutelage of FIVB instructors Luis Muchaga and Francisco Hervas. Hosted at the Concentra Deportiva de Pichincha, the program demonstrated a high level of participant focus throughout the intensive week. The seamless organization by the Ecuadorian Volleyball Federation, coupled with full utilization of the venue`s facilities, ensured a productive and highly supportive learning environment for those aspiring to the sport`s highest coaching echelons.
African Ambition: Development in Gambia and Ethiopia
Africa showcased a vibrant commitment to volleyball, with multiple courses reinforcing national development plans. In Gambia, an Olympic Solidarity-supported FIVB Coaches Course Level I Volleyball was held in Banjul (June 9-13), attracting over 24 participants, many already engaged in local initiatives. Instructor Appie Krijnsen guided attendees, strengthening grassroots efforts. Just days later, a Beach Volleyball course followed (June 14-18) with Mohammed Benhamida, featuring practical sessions and video analysis, culminating in proposals for future development – a testament to a continuous, proactive approach.
Further east, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hosted an Olympic Solidarity-sponsored FIVB Coaches Course Level II (June 10-14), led by Thulan Maphosa. With 44 participants, including 12 women, this course significantly bolstered national coaching capacity, demonstrating Ethiopia`s dedication to technical excellence and gender inclusion.
European Precision: Hungary`s Double Header
Hungary, ever a strong sporting nation, hosted two FIVB Coaches Courses in June. First, a Level I Volleyball course (June 9-13) in Bekescsaba, with 15 participants engaging in foundational skills and game strategies under instructor Laszlo Hollosy. Later, from June 16-20, the same city welcomed a Level II program, bringing together 19 coaches for intensive theoretical and on-court modules. The Hungarian Volleyball Federation`s meticulous support ensured both courses ran seamlessly, setting a high standard for coach education within Europe.
North African Momentum: Tunisia`s Coaching Marathon
Tunisia distinguished itself with a remarkable triple play, hosting three distinct FIVB coaching courses in Tunis. Two parallel Level I courses (June 16-20), instructed by Achraf Ben Salem (on his successful debut!) and Ghezal Chaker, engaged a total of 82 participants, including 25 women, in essential coaching principles. Hot on their heels, a Level II course (June 21-25) under Kamel Rekaya gathered 38 participants, including seven women, for advanced instruction in planning, game systems, and performance analysis. This sustained effort by the Tunisian Volleyball Federation underscores their profound commitment to building a robust national coaching structure, proving that when it comes to coach development, more is indeed merrier.
Global Reach: High-Performance Training in Montenegro
In a true demonstration of global collaboration, Montenegro`s Podgorica hosted an FIVB Coaches Course Level III Volleyball (June 22-29). This Olympic Solidarity-sponsored event welcomed 20 coaches from around the world, engaging in an advanced exchange of high-performance coaching methods. Instructors Gustavo Meczyk and Cengiz Akarcesme led sessions on scouting, performance planning, and advanced team strategies. The centralized venue allowed for an efficient flow between classroom theory and practical court application, ensuring that participants gained comprehensive insights into the cutting edge of competitive volleyball.
The Ripple Effect: Elevating the Sport Worldwide
The sheer scale and depth of the FIVB`s June 2025 coaching initiatives represent more than just a series of workshops; they signify a strategic investment in the future of volleyball. By empowering coaches with the latest techniques, methodologies, and a broadened perspective, the FIVB is cultivating a global network of informed professionals capable of nurturing talent, optimizing performance, and, ultimately, inspiring the next generation of athletes. This concentrated effort ensures that the spirit of volleyball continues to flourish, transforming lives and communities, one well-coached serve and spike at a time.
Rupert Caldwell