FIVB FoundationVolleyball Foundation
The Foundation’s first Board meeting under President HRH Princess Ayah approved new programmes across four continents, celebrated landmark project milestones and set out an exciting growth strategy for 2026 and beyond
On 6 May 2026, the FIVB Volleyball Foundation gathered for a Board meeting that signalled an exciting progression for the organisation. Presided over for the first time by President HRH Princess Ayah Bint Faisal, the meeting demonstrated how the Foundation is expanding its reach, deepening its impact and setting its sights firmly on the future. What was clear is that more people from more countries will have the chance to experience the joy and positive impact of volleyball.
A year to be proud of
In its first full year of operations (2025), the Foundation approved four more projects, reached 13,891 players across multiple continents and mobilised 444 volunteers. CHF 220,867 was allocated in grants to partner organisations working on the ground. Women and girls made up 36% of all participants – a number the Foundation is actively working to grow.
Behind every one of those numbers is a community where volleyball is doing something more than providing experiences on a court. It is promoting wellbeing, driving inclusion, empowering young people and supporting social development.
Five new projects, thousands of new players
One of the most significant decisions of the day came when five new projects were put to the Board – and all five were approved.
New programmes in Bhutan, Colombia, the Gambia, Paraguay and across the Asia region will launch in the coming months. Between them, they are expected to bring somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 new players into the Foundation’s network – young people for whom volleyball will become a pathway to education, protection, community and opportunity.
Programmes making a difference
The project updates brought some of the most compelling moments of the day.
In Jordan, Generations For Peace finished its first programme run in collaboration with the Foundation – engaging 108 young people from refugee and host communities – exceeding its original target. What also stood out was what those participants reported afterwards: 97% said their psychosocial wellbeing had improved. 87% showed increased emotional resilience. 94% demonstrated stronger self-management, and 90% reported improved social skills and connectedness. These are young people navigating extremely difficult circumstances, and volleyball gave them a safe space to connect and grow. 50% of participants were female, and 50% of the youth volunteers trained in Sport for Protection were women – maintaining gender balance throughout.
In Kenya, every single scholarship learner from the Githurai Kimbo Volleyball Academy transitioned to senior secondary school. A 100% rate. The academy has introduced volleyball into multiple local public primary schools, launched weekend training specifically for women and girls, and now has seven trained volunteer coaches actively supporting sessions each week. The programme is a strong example of how the Foundation and its supported projects can promote education access and youth empowerment through volleyball.
In India, the Brahmaputra Volleyball League has reached a phenomenal scale. 408 teams, 162 villages, 4,896 athletes and over 700 matches broadcast. The launch of the BVL+ Challenger Series has created a real pathway from community participation to national talent pipelines, and a UNICEF partnership now spans 13 districts. The Board also reflected on BVL founder Abhijit Bhattacharya being named Global Winner of the 2025 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Award. His work promoting gender equality in rural India through volleyball is exactly the kind of changemaking the Foundation exists to support and celebrate.
Beyond The Net in Ethiopia is building something incredible too. 160 of its active participants are attending volleyball academies twice a week, and coaches are already seeing significant skill improvement – particularly among girls. Volley For Change in Vanuatu is also flourishing. The programme’s facilitator guide has been updated, and the team are preparing for Phase 1 – seven sessions over five days targeting 50 participants – followed by Phase 2, which aims to reach 80 participants and includes a community competition. Three VNL legacy court locations for 2026 are also being finalised, and the She Wishes to Play project in Tanzania is moving forward and close to getting underway.
The Board formally recognised the progress of two programmes by upgrading them from Bronze to Silver status – Generations For Peace and Githurai Kimbo Volleyball Academy. For the teams behind both, it is a well-deserved acknowledgement of what they have built and what they continue to provide to communities through volleyball.
Looking ahead
The Board also looked at the bigger picture. A new advisory board for stewardship and fundraising, drawn from across the Global Volleyball Movement was approved. Active conversations are progressing with the UNHCR, IOC Olympic Refugee Foundation, Decathlon Foundation, Adidas, World Para Volley, Laureus Foundation and Qatar Foundation.
The Foundation turns two this month. It has reached nearly 14,000 players, funded programmes across multiple continents and is about to expand its reach significantly. The mission – a greater world shaped by volleyball – is showing up on courts, in homes, in classrooms and in community halls.
The work continues. And it is growing.
