The academic year has drawn to a close throughout various European countries, revealing truly impressive figures for the CEV School Project `Play Volleyball – Grow with it`. This extensive programme, orchestrated by the CEV in collaboration with approximately 30 National Federations to foster volleyball participation in schools, has successfully engaged nearly 600,000 individuals. This vast number includes pupils, teachers, coaches, administrative staff, and countless others mobilised through diverse promotional events.
The CEV School Project continues to serve as an exceptional platform for young people to become acquainted with volleyball. It not only teaches fundamental motor and technical skills but also instils the vital principles of teamwork and fair play. Furthermore, the initiative actively promotes a healthy lifestyle, which is increasingly important in today`s society. The number of participating school pupils has demonstrated exponential growth year-on-year, surging by 82% to reach almost 143,000. Girls represent the majority of participants (81,243, a 75% increase), while significant efforts in many countries to involve boys have also yielded positive results (61,683, up 93%).
Equally remarkable is the programme’s sustained ability to mobilise an unprecedented number of coaches, physical education teachers, local clubs, and primary schools. Beyond integrating volleyball into the standard school curriculum, the project is specifically designed to encourage these youngsters` continued engagement with the sport. The aim is for them to transition from simply attending PE classes to actively participating in volleyball clubs within their local communities.
All participation metrics have surpassed previous records, a testament largely attributed to the delivery of 222 capacity-building events held across Europe. This is particularly significant given that the School Project is now active in approximately 30 countries. These events, which include workshops, webinars, and seminars, are crucial for further disseminating educational materials and inspiring coaches and teachers. They ensure that educators are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to work effectively with young players at the entry level of the game.
As school pupils enjoy their well-deserved summer vacations, the dedicated team behind the CEV School Project is already actively formulating plans for another exciting year. These plans aim to be filled with engaging activities designed to nurture and develop the next generation of talented volleyball players.
