In a significant stride towards fostering athletic talent and healthy lifestyles, Cyprus has recently hosted a pivotal workshop for volleyball coaches and physical education teachers, marking a new chapter in the nation`s commitment to grassroots sports development. This initiative, part of the broader CEV School Project `Play Volleyball – Grow with it,` is designed to instill a lasting passion for the sport in the younger generation, ensuring that the love for volleyball isn`t just served, but voluminously spiked across the island.
The Foundation of Future Success
The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) School Project, `Play Volleyball – Grow with it,` represents a continent-wide effort to integrate volleyball into school curricula and make it accessible to children from an early age. Since becoming a partner in 2019, the Cyprus Volleyball Federation (CVF) has actively championed this vision, recognizing the sport`s potential not only for physical development but also for teaching teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking.
This latest workshop, the fourth national event of its kind in 2025 across participating EU-funded programs – following successful sessions in Albania, Greenland, and Slovenia – was a meticulously planned endeavor. It wasn`t merely a gathering; it was a strategic investment in the human capital responsible for shaping the next generation of Cypriot athletes.
A Dual-Phased Masterclass in Limassol
The workshop convened in the vibrant city of Limassol, bringing together an impressive cohort of 47 dedicated coaches and 11 insightful physical education teachers from various corners of Cyprus. The structure of the day was thoughtfully divided, ensuring both theoretical grounding and practical application.
The morning commenced with a theoretical session at the Pefkos Hotel. Here, participants delved into the comprehensive philosophy of the CEV School Project. The session was led by none other than **Maria Farsund** from Norway, a distinguished member of the European Coaches Commission. Her expertise provided a robust framework, presenting the project`s core concepts, the wealth of educational materials developed (including the new PVGW2.0 handbook and a database of educational videos), and crucially, drawing upon her extensive experience working with young players. It`s often said that experience is the best teacher, and Ms. Farsund demonstrated just how invaluable that can be when distilled into actionable insights.
The afternoon transitioned into the dynamic environment of the nearby AEL Limassol Sports Hall. This practical session allowed participants to translate theory into action. Ms. Farsund expertly guided coaches and teachers through a series of innovative exercises and drills, each intricately linked to the pedagogical principles discussed earlier. The air buzzed with energy, demonstrating that while spreading the “love for the game” might sound poetic, it truly begins with mastering the very practical art of effective coaching.
Beyond the Workshop: A Ripple Effect
This workshop was more than just a training day; it was a groundbreaking event for Cyprus, being the first such intensive program ever organized on the island. Its significance is underscored by its mandatory status for all teachers and coaches involved in Cyprus`s national volleyball educational program and coaching license system. This ensures that the knowledge disseminated isn`t just optional enrichment but a foundational requirement for anyone shaping the sport`s future in the country.
The impact is already set to extend far beyond the immediate attendees. The Cyprus Volleyball Federation, with commendable foresight, has already scheduled a repeat workshop for May 2026. This forward planning ensures that an even broader contingent of educators and coaches will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise, thereby casting a wider net for talent identification and development.
Perhaps the most promising outcome stems from the participants themselves. One teacher, representing a prominent teachers` association in Cyprus, has already committed to visiting schools across the island. His mission? To actively disseminate the newly acquired knowledge and introduce as many children as possible to the joys and benefits of volleyball. This grassroots initiative, driven by passion and reinforced by structured learning, promises to be a true game-changer for youth sports in the Mediterranean island.
A Testament to Collaborative Growth
The workshop concluded with a ceremony celebrating the commitment of all involved. Certificates of attendance were proudly distributed to the 58 coaches and teachers, acknowledging their dedication. A particularly heartwarming moment saw medals presented to the young athletes who graciously assisted in the practical sessions, serving as a tangible reminder of why these initiatives exist.
This project is not just about teaching volleyball; it`s about building communities and fostering values through sport. Witnessing the enthusiasm of our coaches and teachers confirms that we are on the right path to cultivating a vibrant volleyball culture for generations to come.
— George Stephanides, Technical Director and School Project Manager at the Cyprus Volleyball Federation
Cyprus is clearly demonstrating that the path to sporting excellence and widespread participation is paved with education, collaboration, and a clear vision for the future. By investing in its educators, the island is ensuring that the “love for the game” transforms from a mere slogan into a deeply ingrained national passion, one perfectly executed serve at a time.
Torin Vale 
Gideon Holt