The meeting, opened by the President of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), Fabio Azevedo, and by Commission President Glenn Quinlan, reviewed the programme’s progress throughout 2025 and outlined the next phase of a platform designed as a cornerstone of sustainable volleyball growth, in line with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032.

Competitive impact and gender balance

Between April 2025 and January 2026, National Federations supported through Volleyball Empowerment translated this investment into tangible competitive results. In beach volleyball, 59 National Federations won medals across FIVB, continental, zonal and multi-sport events, with a balanced distribution between women’s competitions, accounting for 52% of medals, and men’s competitions, with 48%.

In indoor volleyball, 52 National Federations reached the podium during the same period, maintaining an almost identical split between women’s competitions (52%) and men’s competitions (48%). The Commission also received an update on the FIVB International Centres of Excellence, identified as pillar 10 of the Vision 2032. In 2025 alone, 14 memorandums of understanding were signed to establish new centres, with the aim of creating a global, performance-driven network based on a two-tier model combining High-Performance International Training Centres and International Training Centres.

From April 2026, National Federations will be able to access training camps at these centres, while existing Development Centres will progressively transition into the new system after completing the current cycle. The model is designed to provide continuous technical and competitive support to national teams, strengthening a more consistent and efficient development structure.

Olympic solidarity and regional growth

Collaboration with the International Olympic Committee through Olympic Solidarity was highlighted as another key pillar of the programme. Applications for team support grants in volleyball and beach volleyball represented 30% of all approved applications across summer Olympic sports, underlining the strong presence of these disciplines within Olympic development policies.

Within this framework, the Youth Athlete Development Programme, delivered in partnership with Olympic Solidarity, was presented as a new initiative aimed at strengthening young talent in emerging regions. The programme is designed to provide long-term development pathways and to reinforce the pipeline of athletes feeding into high performance in future cycles.

The goal of real and measurable change

The report also reviewed the evolution of zonal competitions, with 17 events registered in 2025 within the World Ranking system and significant growth in participation: a 49% increase in men’s teams and a 32% increase in women’s teams. This expansion has increased the number of official matches and reinforced the competitiveness of regional structures. The Commission also confirmed the formal recognition of a new zonal body, the North Central America’s Zonal Volleyball Association.

In closing, Glenn Quinlan stated that “the Volleyball Empowerment programme continues to demonstrate that targeted investment, strong partnerships and a shared vision can deliver real, measurable change,” while Fabio Azevedo thanked members for their commitment and reaffirmed empowerment as one of the strategic pillars underpinning the global growth of volleyball.

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The ceremony, held during the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, brought together sports leaders and athletes from the national beach volleyball program of the Philippines, who showed their enthusiasm and support for the project. Key figures such as Fabio Azevedo, president of FIVB; Ramon Suzara, president of AVC; Patrick C. Gregorio, president of PSC; and José Donaldo Caringal, secretary general of PNVF, highlighted the importance of shared commitment to the future of volleyball in the region.

Youth Development and Opportunities for the Next Generation

The focus of the memorandum is on youth development, aiming to expand opportunities for young talents across Asia to grow and train in a competitive and supportive environment. Programs range from grassroots development to high-performance team preparation, including the promotion of beach volleyball, and encourage the participation of new athletes in each country involved. This approach not only nurtures local talent but also strengthens ties between nations, creating a collaborative ecosystem that inspires players and communities to dream big.

Each signatory organization will play a vital role: FIVB will lead international growth strategies, AVC will coordinate continental initiatives, PSC will facilitate athlete and coach development, and PNVF will oversee national implementation. By combining experience, resources, and shared vision, this agreement promises not only to improve volleyball quality but also to foster values of inclusion, cooperation, and solidarity among young athletes and coaches, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.

A Strategic Vision with Heart

This alliance aligns with FIVB’s 2032 Strategic Vision under the motto “Together as One” and reflects a commitment beyond sport: integrating communities, promoting peace, and generating positive social impact through athletics. By joining forces, the organizations aim to inspire the next generation of players, ensuring that volleyball continues to grow as an accessible sport, innovative and recognized worldwide.

More than a formal agreement, this memorandum symbolizes the passion and hope of those who believe in the transformative power of sport. Every event, every training session, and every match will be an opportunity for young people to discover their talent, build confidence, and experience the magic of volleyball. With this alliance, FIVB and its partners open a path of opportunities, growth, and shared dreams across the Southeast Asian region.

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The temporary stadium installed in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Games was hailed as one of the most spectacular venues of the event, earning praise from outlets like The Washington Post, Associated Press, and The Wall Street Journal. This time, the vibrant spirit of that summer will return with activities for all ages, appearances by Olympic stars, and a festive atmosphere designed to make sport a participatory and accessible experience for everyone.

Three Days of Festivity and Sport in the Heart of Paris

During the weekend of July 25–27, Paris City Hall will be transformed into a sporting epicenter with multiple activities open to the public: informal matches on open-access courts, trial sessions, mini-courts for families, spaces dedicated to art and sport, and meet-and-greets with Olympic athletes like Brazilian champions Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda “Duda” Santos Lisboa, as well as French players Arnaud Gauthier Rat and Téo Rotar. All of this aims to revive the unforgettable energy of the Games and bring beach volleyball closer to new audiences.

The program is part of a broader initiative by the City Hall to preserve the Olympic legacy with a summer full of free sports activities. From July 12 to August 20, three beach volleyball courts will remain installed in the square in front of City Hall, open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor in charge of Sports and the Olympic Games, highlighted, the goal is for both locals and international visitors to “discover and try out this sport” and once again feel the magic of Paris 2024.

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Both tournaments promise to attract the best beach volleyball players in the world, consolidating the tour’s global presence and offering unforgettable spectacles for fans. These competitions add to a calendar that now features 11 Elite and 8 Challenge events, reinforcing the competitive depth of the circuit.

MONTREAL: ELITE16 AT PARC JEAN-DRAPEAU

Montreal returns to the Beach Pro Tour following the success of its Elite16 tournament in 2023, where local stars Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson captured gold, while Norwegians Anders Mol and Christian Sørum took the men’s title. In 2025, the event will be held from August 13-17 at the iconic Parc Jean-Drapeau, known for hosting the city’s Formula 1 circuit.

This tournament stands out not only for its competitive level, but also for the passion of the Canadian fans, who have proven to be an enthusiastic and committed public to beach volleyball. Montreal is thus consolidating its position as a key destination on the international circuit.

WHY BADEN IS A CHALLENGE ON THE BEACH PRO TOUR

For its part, Baden, Austria, famous for its historic beach resorts and vibrant beach volleyball community, will host a Challenge event for the first time. This tournament, to be held August 6-10, represents the highest level of competition the city has hosted to date, after years of hosting lower-level international tournaments.

Baden’s debut as the host of a Challenge event marks a new chapter in its sporting legacy, attracting elite players and cementing its reputation as a leading destination for beach volleyball in Europe.

GLOBAL AND COMPETITIVE CALENDAR

With the addition of Montreal and Baden, the Beach Pro Tour 2025 strengthens its global presence, offering players and fans a unique experience in iconic settings. These events not only raise the competitive level of the circuit, but also highlight the importance of bringing beach volleyball to new audiences and passionate communities.

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The 2025 edition stands out not only for its extensive geographic reach but also for the dynamic shifts following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With new teams forming and rising stars joining the elite, the Beach Pro Tour promises to be a unique platform to witness the emergence of future stars and the performance of Olympic champions.

DESTINATION AND KEY PLAYERS

The Beach Pro Tour 2025 will visit iconic venues and new locations, solidifying itself as a truly global competition. Gstaad, Switzerland, will host its 25th edition, while Brazil will stage four events, including an elite tournament in Brasília and a challenge in Saquarema. Mexico returns to the circuit with three stops, shining after the success of the 2023 World Championships. Other destinations, such as Cape Town, South Africa, Ostrava, Czech Republic, the Philippines, China, Qatar, Germany, and Poland, will also be part of this exciting journey.

Beyond the destinations, the athletes competing on the sand promise to be a major highlight. Women’s duos like Ana Patricia/Duda (Brazil), Olympic champions, and Anouk/Zoe (Switzerland) will lead the competition, while in the men’s category, Ahman/Hellvig (Sweden), Paris 2024 gold medalists, stand out alongside rising talents like Gavira/A. Huerta (Spain). The season will conclude in Adelaide, Australia, with the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championship, where the best duos will be crowned in a unique atmosphere.

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