In the world of professional sports, success on the court is often attributed to the athletes, their raw talent, and tireless dedication. Yet, behind every powerful spike, every perfectly executed block, and every championship win, stands an equally dedicated figure: the coach. They are the architects of strategy, the mentors of talent, and the motivators of dreams. Recognizing this fundamental truth, the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) embarked on an ambitious global initiative in June 2025, orchestrating an unparalleled series of coach education programs that underscore the critical role of expertise in the sport`s global expansion.
A Month of Unprecedented Outreach
June 2025 wasn`t just another month on the calendar; for the FIVB, it was a period of intense, focused development. A staggering 18 FIVB Coaches Courses were delivered, extending their reach to 14 countries across five of the sport`s continental confederations: NORCECA, CAVB, CSV, CEV, and AVC. This extensive program featured a diverse range of courses, from fundamental Level I training to advanced Level III Volleyball, alongside specialized Beach Volleyball instruction. Each course was meticulously planned and executed in close coordination with local national federations, with significant support often provided by Olympic Solidarity.
The Philosophy Behind the Whistle
These aren`t mere workshops; they are immersive experiences designed to build profound knowledge and reinforce critical coaching skills. Participants, guided by seasoned FIVB-appointed instructors, delved into the intricacies of technical development, explored various game systems, and mastered the art of athlete preparation. The curriculum consistently blended theoretical instruction with practical, on-court sessions, ensuring that coaches not only understood the principles but could immediately apply them in a dynamic environment.
One particularly encouraging trend observed across many of these courses was the strong and increasing presence of women coaches. This commitment to inclusivity is not merely a gesture; it`s a strategic investment in diversifying perspectives and strengthening the sport from every angle. The sheer variety of host venues and learning environments served as a testament to the surging global demand for formal, structured coach education at all levels of the game.
Spotlight on Global Impact: Stories from the Frontlines
Caribbean Foundations: St. Kitts & Nevis
From June 2-6, Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis, played host to an FIVB Coaches Course Beach Volleyball. Supported by Olympic Solidarity, this course brought together 26 participants, including nine women, at the St. Kitts & Nevis NOC Headquarters. Instructor Rick Bevis expertly navigated a diverse group, some new to beach volleyball, others seasoned veterans looking to refine their approach. The course was strategically aligned with an athlete training camp and the ECVA Championships, offering a unique opportunity for coaches to immediately apply newly acquired skills in a live competitive setting. One might even call it “learning by doing, with a dash of Caribbean sunshine.”
African Ascendancy: Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gambia, Libya, Botswana, Egypt, Tunisia
Africa proved to be a hotbed of coaching activity. In Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Samir Assam led a Level II Volleyball course for 34 passionate participants (seven women among them). Assam noted the “very good level” and “passion and commitment” of his candidates, a clear indicator of the continent`s growing dedication to the sport.
Ethiopia`s Addis Ababa welcomed 44 participants (12 women) to a Level II course, aimed at enhancing national coaching capacity through targeted technical training. Gambia saw both a Level I Volleyball and a Beach Volleyball course, emphasizing grassroots development and future initiatives. In Libya, 40 participants engaged with foundational concepts in Misrata, showcasing strong local engagement. Botswana’s Level II course, while highlighting areas for further technical refinement, celebrated the participation of ten women. Tunis, Tunisia, was a veritable coaching hub, hosting three courses – two Level I and one Level II – with significant female participation across all programs (14, 11, and 7 women respectively), marking a concerted effort to build a robust national coaching structure. Egypt`s Cairo course stood out by integrating current and former national team players, and inviting external experts, adding layers of practical and specialized knowledge. This regional commitment truly underscores the continent`s ambition in volleyball.
South American Sophistication: Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador, was the stage for an Olympic Solidarity-supported FIVB Coaches Course Level III Volleyball. Led by FIVB instructors Luis Muchaga and Francisco Hervas, 32 coaches engaged in a full week of high-level activities. The smooth organization and optimal use of facilities at Concentra Deportiva de Pichincha ensured a productive environment for mastering advanced strategies. For those aiming for the pinnacle of the sport, Level III is where the tactical chess match truly begins.
European Precision: Hungary & Montenegro
Hungary, ever the meticulous host, delivered two courses in Bekescsaba: a Level I and a Level II, both led by Laszlo Hollosy. The courses were praised for their structure and content, reinforcing foundational skills and advancing strategic thinking. Meanwhile, Montenegro`s Podgorica hosted an elite Level III course, drawing 20 coaches from around the world. This Olympic Solidarity-sponsored event delved into high-performance coaching, scouting, and advanced team strategies – the kind of nuanced insights that separate champions from contenders.
Asian Horizons: Saudi Arabia
In Dammam, Saudi Arabia, a Beach Volleyball Coaches Course saw 34 participants, including five women, immerse themselves in technical, tactical, and physical preparation for the sand game. This course highlights Saudi Arabia`s progressive efforts to expand opportunities for both men and women in sports, promoting a modern and inclusive approach to volleyball instruction.
Central American Grit: Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica, held an FIVB Coaches Course Beach Volleyball, offering 17 participants structured training under instructor Mauro Hernandez. The practical component, where coaches directly engaged with athletes on the sand, was a strong point, demonstrating a commitment to real-time application of skills. One might say, “the beach is their classroom, and the waves provide the soundtrack to learning.”
Middle Eastern Mastery: Lebanon
Finally, Batroun, Lebanon, concluded June`s coaching marathon with a Level II Volleyball course. Expert Aleksandar Boskovic guided 45 coaches, including 10 women, through a program praised for its objectives and the participants` strong commitment. This final course reinforced the global tapestry of coaching development woven by the FIVB throughout the month.
The Ripple Effect: Investing in Tomorrow`s Game
The sheer scale and global distribution of these 18 FIVB Coaches Courses in a single month are a powerful statement. They represent a significant investment in the sport`s future, laying down foundational skills at the grassroots level and honing advanced strategies for elite competition. By empowering coaches with the latest techniques and methodologies, the FIVB isn`t just delivering courses; it`s cultivating a worldwide network of skilled educators who will, in turn, inspire and develop the next generation of volleyball and beach volleyball stars. It`s a grand strategy for global growth, one whistle, one drill, and one dedicated coach at a time.
Rupert Caldwell