CEV announces 17 projects selected for Solidarity Fund Type I funding

After receiving as many as 194 applications, a figure showing a truly remarkable engagement across the European Volleyball family, the CEV is now ready to announce the projects eventually retained for support via the CEV Solidarity Fund Type 1. 

The CEV Solidarity Fund Type I is a new initiative providing project-based funding for National Federations, clubs and individuals to help create opportunities and support the continued and sustainable growth of Volleyball across Europe. With all 56 member Federations eligible to apply for funding, the CEV Solidarity Fund Type I represents an important investment in the people, organisations, and communities that make European Volleyball stronger. The initiative focuses on four key elements: 

•    Inclusion and diversity
•    Digital transformation
•    Environmental sustainability
•    Grassroots development and mass participation.

The response to this project has already demonstrated a strong interest and commitment of the European Volleyball community. In total, 194 applications were submitted: 39 from National Federations, 120 from clubs, and 35 from individuals and other entities. This response confirmed the scale of interest generated by the CEV Solidarity Fund Type I and reflected genuine engagement from across all corners of the Volleyball family. 

A wide range of ideas and opportunities
The applications received reflect a broad range of ambitions and initiatives, highlighting the many ways in which the Volleyball community is working to create more opportunities for participation, learning and development. Through this project, members of the European Volleyball community are being given a platform to put forward their ideas, ambitions and projects for the future. 

17 projects selected for funding and material support
Following a thorough evaluation of all applications against the Solidarity Fund priorities, budget requirements and evaluation standards, 17 projects from 16 countries have been selected for funding and/or material support in the first round of the CEV Solidarity Fund Type I. The selected projects cover all three funding categories: four one-year projects, seven two-year projects, and six three-year projects.
Led by national and regional federations, clubs and individuals, the selected projects reflect the four priority areas of the fund, ranging from grassroots participation in rural communities and inclusive Volleyball for people with intellectual disabilities to coach and leadership development, mental wellbeing, digital innovation, and sustainable use of equipment.

One-year projects 

Second Life of Volleyball Equipment (Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie, Poland). The project gives worn out Volleyball equipment a second life through upcycling, donations and charity sales, with the proceeds supporting sports scholarships for young players.

Spike It, Mia (Jana Kulan, Slovakia). An illustrated storytelling series introducing girls aged 10 to 15 to Volleyball while promoting confidence, inclusion, teamwork and personal development.

Volleyball for ALL (Volleyball Federation of the Republic of Moldova, Moldova). The project brings Volleyball to children and young people in rural and underserved communities through school activities, community events, tournaments, and coach education.

Volley for Community: Youth Inclusion and Social Participation (Beach & Park Volley San Marino, San Marino). The project uses Volleyball to connect schools, families, and communities through activities, camps and inclusive events, reaching around 1,000 young participants.

Two-year projects 

Data4Equality in Volleyball (Sports Association DIF Akademija, Serbia). The project uses data driven and gender-sensitive approaches to promote equality and healthier development for young Volleyball players, while equipping coaches and educators with new tools.

Build to Lead (Tbilisi Regional Volleyball Federation, Georgia). The project strengthens Volleyball in Tbilisi by developing coaches, referees and institutional capacity, creating a more sustainable system for players and clubs.

Hela vägen upp (All the way up) (Swedish Volleyball Federation, Sweden). The project creates safer and more inclusive Volleyball environments by equipping coaches, leaders, referees, volunteers and young players with tools to support mental wellbeing.

Development, Motivation and Recruitment of Coaches (Aarhus Beachvolley Club, Denmark). The project strengthens Beach Volleyball in Denmark by developing and retaining coaches, attracting new and female coaches, and encouraging knowledge sharing between clubs.

Club Leaders Programme (CLP) (Scottish Volleyball, Scotland). The programme empowers 100 Scottish Volleyball club leaders through training, mentoring and peer learning to build stronger, more sustainable clubs.

Digital Transformation (Volley Belgium, Belgium). The project transforms Volleyball club management and communication in Belgium through a shared digital platform, together with training and support for clubs and volunteers.

Volley Tour Haute-Marne: Inclusion, Territory and Legacy (Chaumont Volley-Ball 52, France). The project brings accessible Volleyball activities to around 20 rural and underserved municipalities, aiming to reach more than 1,000 participants and connect them with local clubs.

Three-year projects (up to EUR 80,000)

InVolei: Inclusive Volleyball for People with Intellectual Disabilities (Portuguese Volleyball Federation, Portugal). The project expands inclusive Volleyball for people with intellectual disabilities through adapted formats, coach education, equipment and competitions across Portugal.

Talent Pathway and High Performance Development Centre (Latvian Volleyball Federation, Latvia). The project creates a nationwide pathway to identify and develop young Volleyball talent through regional assessments, camps, player profiling and high performance opportunities.

Year-Round Youth Beach Volleyball (Beachvolleyball Club Bratislava, Slovakia). The project builds Slovakia’s first structured, year-round youth Beach Volleyball system through competitions, coach education, shared methodologies and club cooperation.

Coach Development Programme (Volleyball Federation of Slovenia, Slovenia). The programme develops a stronger regional coaching network through education, youth development, competitions, testing and digital tools connecting regional and national teams.

SMART Volleyball Development Lab (Volleyball Academy Lion Hearts, Bulgaria). The project brings sports science, athlete monitoring, injury prevention and digital performance tools into grassroots Volleyball, supporting more than 300 young athletes and 50 coaches.

South Dublin Volleyball Hub (Dalkey Devils Volleyball Club, Ireland). The project creates a sustainable community Volleyball hub that expands participation, develops coaches, introduces Sitting Volleyball and strengthens long-term access to facilities.

Looking ahead

The strong level of engagement is an encouraging reflection of the passion and commitment that exists across European Volleyball, from National Federations and clubs to individuals working every day to grow and strengthen the sport. 

CEV congratulates all selected applicants and thanks every federation, club and individual who took the time to submit a project. Each selected project will now move forward to the implementation phase, with CEV providing guidance and support throughout the funding period.

CEV looks forward to working closely with the selected projects, building on this momentum and supporting initiatives that can create meaningful opportunities, strengthen the Volleyball community and contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, sustainable and connected future for Volleyball across Europe.