Author: Sammy Heywood Okine
Ghana has taken another significant step towards strengthening the technical capacity of its volleyball fraternity by hosting the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Level 1 Coaching Course in Accra, a programme expected to enhance coaching standards and contribute to the growth of the sport across the country.
The week-long course officially commenced with an impressive opening ceremony, bringing together volleyball coaches, instructors, and stakeholders who share a common vision of improving the quality of coaching and player development in Ghana.
Following the opening ceremony, participants immediately settled into intensive theoretical sessions designed to deepen their understanding of the modern principles of volleyball coaching. The classroom discussions covered key areas essential for developing technically sound and tactically disciplined teams.
Beyond the classroom, participants also engaged in practical sessions where they translated theory into action through demonstrations, drills, and hands-on coaching exercises under the guidance of experienced instructors.
The practical component of the programme allowed coaches to refine their communication skills, training methodologies, player assessment techniques, and game management strategies, all of which are expected to improve the standard of coaching at both grassroots and elite levels.
Many participants described the course as timely, noting that it provides an invaluable opportunity to upgrade their knowledge in line with international coaching standards at a period when volleyball continues to gain momentum in Ghana.
According to several attendees, the combination of classroom instruction and practical learning has created an engaging environment that encourages knowledge sharing, collaboration, and professional growth among coaches from different parts of the country.
The successful conclusion of the opening day’s activities has generated optimism among organisers and participants alike, with expectations that the remaining sessions will provide even more valuable insights into modern volleyball coaching techniques and athlete development.
President of the Ghana Volleyball Association (GVA), George Tettey (Esq.), who also serves as an Assistant Commissioner at the Ghana Revenue Authority, commended the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the participants throughout the opening sessions.
He encouraged the coaches to take full advantage of the programme, stressing that the knowledge and practical skills acquired should ultimately be reflected in the performance of their teams and individual players during competitions.
Mr. Tettey emphasised that investing in coach education remains one of the most effective ways of improving the overall standard of volleyball in Ghana, adding that well-trained coaches are instrumental in nurturing the next generation of talented athletes.
The coaching course comes at a particularly exciting period for Ghanaian volleyball, with the national teams preparing for major continental assignments following their qualification for the Africa Volleyball Nations Cup.
Ghana has secured qualification for the prestigious championship, with the men’s and women’s competitions scheduled to be hosted in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya respectively during August and September.
The timing of the FIVB Level 1 Coaching Course is therefore expected to complement the country’s preparations for the continental competition, equipping coaches with contemporary techniques that can positively influence team performance on the African stage.
With the successful start of the programme and the positive response from participants, stakeholders remain confident that the FIVB Level 1 Coaching Course will leave a lasting impact on volleyball development in Ghana, reinforcing the country’s commitment to raising coaching standards and achieving greater success in international competitions.
