Partners involved in the ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it (PVGW) 2.0’ project recently convened in Dublin. The primary goal of the meeting was to assess the final report of the educational program, presented by Aurélien Favre from the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE), along with reviewing other project deliverables. Discussions also focused significantly on the project`s future impact and legacy.
A survey was conducted among the four participating National Federations – Austria, Iceland, Ireland, and Romania – to gauge coaches` and teachers` feedback on the project`s educational materials. The level of satisfaction reported was very high, scoring 4.35 on a scale from zero to five. Survey respondents highlighted that they primarily used the materials with older children (aged 9 to 14). They emphasized that the guide provided effective tools for a step-by-step development process, was adaptable to varying skill levels and age groups, successfully encouraged active participation from children, and allowed for very effective engagement.
The guide has been instrumental in helping children develop technical skills, diverse motor skills, and teamwork abilities. It has also supported the transition of many children from school-based activities to more consistent participation in local Volleyball clubs. Furthermore, the educational resources have helped solidify Volleyball`s status as an inclusive sport, promoting the participation of children with both physical and intellectual disabilities.
Although there`s always room for improvement, participants expressed strong appreciation for the initiative and the support provided through the guide. They also requested additional material resources, particularly for disadvantaged schools and clubs where such support could make a significant difference. Suggestions were made to expand initiatives like in-person seminars. They urged the CEV to initiate more such programs and ensure the educational materials produced thus far are continuously updated.
The next steps for the project partners involve creating a database of stakeholders and developing a legacy report. This report is expected to cover potential future initiatives, such as establishing a Grassroots Coaching Licensing Project, planned in close collaboration with the European Coaches Commission (ECoC).
