CEV School Project workshop to help innovate PE classes across Romanian schools

This past Friday, a truly impactful event dedicated to promoting sports education for young students was held at the C.A. Rosetti High School in Bucharest. Organised by the Romanian Volleyball Federation with support from the Bucharest School Inspectorate, the event is part of the CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball - Grow with it 2.0’ 

Through this initiative, specifically designed for children aged six to 12, sports educators and coaches received practical tools and learned strategies on how to integrate Volleyball into school activities and PE classes, thereby fostering coordination skills, team spirit, and a lifelong interest in physical activity.

Highlights of the event

The event showcased the long-term benefits of sports participation in early childhood development, and especially the role of Volleyball in enhancing both physical and social skills. Dr Jimmy Czimek and Tonya Blickhäuser, experts from the German Sport University Cologne, led the workshop and presented the ‘Teacher and Coach Guide’, a new resource designed to support teachers and coaches in engaging students through Volleyball.

Following the presentations, participants had the chance to join practical sessions and experience firsthand the exercises and games outlined in the guide. These activities are designed to build essential skills, such as coordination, agility, and teamwork. The warm and welcoming atmosphere at C.A. Rosetti High School helped participants feel inspired and involved, with students and teachers alike engaging enthusiastically.

Key benefits of the ‘Play Volleyball - Grow with it’ project

The CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’ aspires to make sports education accessible and appealing to school-age children, thus emphasising the role of physical activity in their healthy development. Through engaging in Volleyball, children not only improve their physical health but also learn valuable life skills, such as discipline, cooperation, and resilience.

Teachers and coaches attending the event gained valuable insights into innovative teaching techniques and received accredited professional development credits. Additionally, young coaches had the chance to gain practical experience working with children under the guidance of international experts. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for networking and collaboration in a relaxed, yet professional environment.

A promising future for physical education in Romania

Supported by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, this project exemplifies the power of local and international collaboration in advancing physical education. With initiatives like this gaining momentum, the Romanian Volleyball Federation, schools, and sports clubs are working together to make sure sport becomes more accessible to children and educators alike.

As a model for successful sports integration in schools, the CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’ demonstrates that physical education can thrive through well-coordinated projects and collaborative efforts among educators, coaches, and international specialists. The outcome is encouraging, and the enthusiasm of all participants suggests a bright future for sports education in Romania.