Northern Ireland Hosts Groundbreaking FIVB Coach Developers Education Seminar
60-Hour Intensive Led by World-Renowned Coach Educator Dr. George Giatsis
Northern Ireland Volleyball was proud to host one of the most advanced coaching education seminars ever delivered in the region, as part of the FIVB Empowerment – Coach Education Project.
Led by internationally recognised FIVB Coach Educator Dr. George Giatsis, this 7-day, 60-hour intensive programme brought together coaches from across Northern Ireland for a week of high-performance learning and practical development in Belfast.
Raising the Standard of Coaching in Northern Ireland
This seminar went far beyond a typical coaching course. Coaches received in-depth training not only in the whole FIVB Level 1 and Level 2 frameworks, but also in modern sport science and elite coaching methods.
Topics covered included:
🔹 Kinesiology & Biomechanics – How the body moves in volleyball, and how coaches can improve technique by understanding force, balance, and joint movement.
🔹 Skill Acquisition & Neuroplasticity – Exploring how athletes learn and retain skills over time, using insights from neuroscience to improve coaching.
🔹 Performance Analysis & Benchmarking – Learning to use data and video to break down every part of the game—technical skills, tactics, decision-making—and improve performance.
🔹 FIVB Coaching Frameworks – Deep dives into the Level 1 & 2 content, covering everything from physical development to mental preparation.
🔹 Modern Coaching Practice – Including leadership, sports psychology, scouting systems, and making confident, data-informed decisions on and off the court.
A Step Forward for Our Volleyball Community
What made this seminar so impactful was its connection of world-class coaching education with the unique needs of our local game. Sessions were practical, tailored, and designed to support long-term development at every level—from junior to senior, and from club to national teams.
It also provided a space for coaches to learn together, challenge ideas, and raise the bar for coaching standards in Northern Ireland.
“This week was a game-changer for us,” said Callum Grieve, NI Volleyball Indoor Performance Manager.
“To have someone of George’s calibre here, delivering a world-class programme, is a huge step forward for coaching in Northern Ireland. The knowledge shared—especially around biomechanics, skill learning, and performance analysis—will directly influence how we develop players and teams going forward.”
Words of Thanks
We’re incredibly grateful to Dr. George Giatsis for his expertise, energy, and commitment to helping us grow the game.
Special thanks also to:
- Jonathan McFadden, President of Northern Ireland Volleyball, for his vision and leadership
- Vicky Agnew and Michael Currie at Ulster University for all their help throughout the week
- Mathieu Outhwaite for the project vision and the coaches who took part for their ongoing support and contribution
- And finally, to the junior national team athletes who took part in the on-court sessions
Looking Ahead
This seminar marks an exciting chapter in our development as a volleyball nation. By investing in our coaches, we are investing in the future of the sport—and the impact of this week will be felt across clubs, schools, and national teams for years to come.
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.
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