‘Play Volleyball - Grow with it 2.0’ workshop helps cultivate talent and community in Iceland

The workshop organised by the Icelandic Volleyball Association (BLI) in conjunction with the ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it 2.0’ project managed to bring together a vibrant community comprising of athletes, educators, and coaches, all dedicated to the growth of Volleyball in Iceland. This dynamic initiative saw the participation of as many as 43 coaches and teachers, alongside 24 enthusiastic players from the HK Volleyball club, thereby enhancing their skills and fostering a renewed and even deeper love for the sport.

The programme was meticulously designed to provide comprehensive training and practical experiences at Snælandsskóli in Kopavogur and Menntaskólinn við Sund in the country’s capital, Reykjavik. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the programme’s diverse activities, which included skill drills, theoretical workshops, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting Volleyball at the grassroots level.

Course instructors Jimmy Czimek and Tonya Blickhauser, both esteemed figures in the Volleyball community, led the training sessions with much passion and expertise. Their commitment to developing young talent and coaching proficiency were evident throughout the course. 

Participants engaged in hands-on practice and received personalised feedback to elevate both their playing and coaching skills. The collaborative environment fostered by the project also encouraged participants to share their knowledge and experiences, thus enhancing the sense of community around the sport.

As the programme wrapped up, many participants expressed their gratitude and excitement for future opportunities. The success of ‘Play Volleyball - Grow with it 2.0’ marks a significant milestone in promoting sports as a vital part of Icelandic culture, emphasising teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of play.

With the foundation laid by this initiative, the future of Volleyball in Iceland appears bright. The insights and skills gained from this project are expected to ripple through the local clubs and schools, thereby inspiring the next generation of athletes to follow in the footsteps of their current coaches and mentors.

The Icelandic Volleyball Association is hopeful for the continuation of similar programmes, eager to sustain the momentum built during this successful training series and to encourage more young people to take up the sport of Volleyball.