CEV

ECoC devises actions to help shape next generation of Volleyball coaches

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Article Fri, Jan 31 2025

The members of the European Coaches Commission (ECoC) convened earlier this week at the home of European Volleyball in Luxembourg for their first meeting of the 2024-2028 term, thereby marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter when it comes to actions devised specifically to support and develop Volleyball coaching across Europe. 

Members of the European Coaches Commission at the home of European Volleyball in Luxembourg

Led by ECoC President and renowned elite Turkish coach Ferhat Akbaş, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategic priorities, including potential support for National Federations through grassroots coaching licensing, professional and psychological support for coaches, the empowerment of female coaches, and the advancement of other educational initiatives.

In terms of licensing and development, the ECoC members explored certification pathways to enhance grassroots coaching quality across Europe to help nurture young talent and grow the next generations of Volleyball stars. The empowerment of female coaches is another priority identified by ECoC, as the members agreed it remains imperative to address gender disparities and to foster more leadership opportunities for women in coaching. To this extent, last year the CEV had initiated a dialogue with some female coaches to better understand their challenges and map out potential actions to redress such shortcomings.  

The meeting coincided with the first such in-person gathering for the 2024-2028 term

The ECoC members deserved much praise for the highly successful CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’ and for other educational initiatives run by the CEV Technical and Development Department. The Commission shared expert input to raise the quality of the CEV School Project even further and to support upcoming coaching-related initiatives. In terms of support systems for coaches, it was agreed to find ways to expand the resources made available for their professional and mental well-being while promoting inclusivity in coaching at all levels.

Finally, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to raising coaching standards and fostering a sustainable, inclusive future for Volleyball coaching. With a strong emphasis on knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and progressive initiatives, the ECoC members look forward to the next steps in their 2024-2028 term to implement impactful programmes that will help shape the next generation of Volleyball coaches across Europe.

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