#CEVCoachesConvention: The 2023 Experience
In a fast-paced society, where technology and digitalisation play a big role, information about different topics can be easily found. Sports related included. From news through events to where to find the tickets for the next Volleyball game you want to attend, there is every type of data out there.
But how do you navigate through so much information? How do you filter what is good quality content and what is not? Who do you learn from? Are you able to learn only by watching videos on some platform, or you need more…?
When it comes to good coaching, a life-long learning process, finding the right mentors is of utmost importance. But not everyone has access to the best ones in the field, right?
Volleyball is no exception. If you are just starting in the coaching profession, how do you gain knowledge from some of the most distinguished coaches out there?
Luckily, the CEV Development team has been taking care of the matter on an European level when it comes to providing quality content for young coaches across the continent.
Besides continuously organising webinars throughout the year, for a fifth year, selected coaches from Member nations of the CEV, have the unique chance to attend a special event dedicated to coaching - with a focus on Volleyball at grassroot level: The CEV Coaches Convention.
Each year, the two-day event brings together the Volleyball community of coaches and PE teachers from the continent, as distinguished speakers share their wide knowledge with the participants.
In 2024, the CEV Coaches Convention will be held once again in Sofia (Bulgaria), taking place from 13 to 15 September in Levski Sofia Sports Hall. Atsushi Katoh (JPN), Kåre Mol (NOR), and Ranko Rajović (SRB) will be taking the floor for theoretical and practical sessions, and while attendants are all eager to learn from them, the ones who took part in the 2023 event, shared their feedback - how they felt at the event, what they learnt, and they would like to have in the future.
What were their takeaways from the Convention?
The networking.
One of the best things at the CEV Coaches Convention is the possibility to meet peers from across the continent.
“Fun, supportive, and a fantastic opportunity to meet with coaches from all over the world alongside talking accessibly with the speakers.”
“It was a great weekend in Sofia, networking with other coaches from all over Europe and listening to different speakers, seeing how they work, this is really helpful.”
“I loved that event - a very useful, and interesting one. I made a lot of good connections”.
Learning from the best ones.
“I think Angiolino Frigoni was really competent, and I could have spent a whole weekend learning from him.”
“I learned new perspectives,” continues another participant.
“These Conventions help a lot to exchange different methods of teaching, update ourselves and gain new knowledge.”
“The absolutely best part of the Convention was listening to Eric Hodgson and seeing him coaching.”
“The speakers did a great job presenting the entire training session.”
“It was an enjoyable experience and hope to carry on the work that was started in my school. Loved the contrast between coaches as they touched on extremes of pro and beginners.”
“Thanks to the high-level speakers. It was very interesting and useful to see two different approaches to the training process.”
How was the atmosphere at the 2023 CEV Coaches Convention?
“Had a great time!”, was one of the most popular messages received at the end of the 2023 event.
“Thank you very much for organising it and letting the teachers and coaches from our federation be part of it. We all feel very privileged to be there and appreciate the hard work you are doing in promoting the sport at grassroots and helping to grow the game in so many countries. High five!”
Participants also expressed their gratitude to the CEV and the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation
for a nice organisation of the event.
“Everything was excellent and all the people were very helpful! Hope to see you soon!”
Make sure to keep updated by following the Convention’s official hashtag #CEVCoachesConvention on social media.