Amidst the competitive atmosphere of the recent Slovenian national Snow Volleyball championships held at the picturesque Krvavec resort, a different kind of activity was unfolding – the enthusiastic introduction of young players to the “youngest volleyball discipline” through the VBO Premium Tootbrush CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’. Children who volunteered their time to assist in the main competition, taking on roles as ball keepers and scorers, were given a unique opportunity: their very first encounter with Snow Volleyball.
Stepping onto the snowy court offered these youngsters a swift technical lesson. They quickly discovered that moving effectively on a snow-covered surface presented a significantly greater challenge compared to the familiar grip of an indoor volleyball court. The physics of sprinting, jumping, and stopping proved uniquely demanding in the soft white medium. Adding to the learning curve was the distinct feel of the official Snow Volleyball, a ball differing notably from the one they are accustomed to using in their standard U-13 indoor training sessions and matches. It became clear that Snow Volleyball is not merely indoor volleyball moved outdoors; it requires its own specific set of skills and physical adaptations.
Boys and girls from local Volleyball clubs including OD Vital Ljubljana, OK Črnuče, and OK Kamnik participated with visible enthusiasm throughout the day. Beyond their volunteering duties, they actively engaged with the senior players, absorbing insights and, most importantly, simply relishing the experience of exploring this novel variation of their beloved sport.
Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. 12-year-old Gana, a volleyball player from Ljubljana, shared her enjoyment: “I really enjoyed myself at Krvavec, especially because I spent the day in nature, on the snow, and had contact with Volleyball, which I really love playing. I had a lot of fun, made good use of my free time, and learned a lot of new things. I hope I can come again next year.” Her peer Teodor, also from the capital city, was reported to be equally thrilled by his day spent on the snowy slopes of the famous Slovenian ski resort.
This successful integration of youth activity within the national championships highlights a clear path forward. The Volleyball Federation of Slovenia (OZS) plans to continue organising national championship events at RTC Krvavec. Building on the positive reception, they aim to potentially revive a dedicated ‘Kids Day’ prior to the main competition, allowing even more children to familiarise themselves with Snow Volleyball in a relaxed, introductory setting. This commitment ensures that the base of potential future Snow Volleyball athletes continues to grow, starting with fun and discovery on the snow.