FIVB and SCA unite to boost volleyball’s development

March 6, 2025.- The FIVB met with the Small Countries Association (SCA) this week to discuss key initiatives aimed at strengthening volleyball in the respective nations, including increased development support, the introduction of World Ranking points in zonal competitions and the SCA’s ambitious but realistic four-year strategic plan.

The meeting was attended by SCA President Gary Stewart, alongside Secretary General Blair Pettigrew and Treasurer Joanna McCrory. The FIVB team was led by President Fabio Azevedo, with the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) joining online.

During the meeting, the  13-member SCA outlined its vision for the future, with a focus on maximising FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment support to enhance national teams and exploring additional funding opportunities for Zonal Associations. A key discussion point was the impact of awarding World Ranking points to Zonal competitions, which will allow for greater competitiveness and the growth of SCA events. 

The FIVB’s support for the SCA continues to be significant, with over CHF 2 million invested since 2017. So far, 87 projects have been approved across 12 countries, and ten coach support development programmes are currently running in SCA’s National Federations .

Within discussions, FIVB President Azevedo outlined the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is founded on the key pillars of professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation, under the motto “Together as One”. Meanwhile, the SCA reflected on the achievements of its first 100 days under new leadership, including establishing a fixed multi-year events calendar, reconnecting with previously inactive stakeholders, and exploring a potential rebrand to elevate its profile. The organisation also shared its challenges and long-term ambitions.

The meeting demonstrated an exciting future for collaboration between the FIVB and the SCA, as both organisations look to develop volleyball, ensuring long-term growth, stronger national teams and increased global recognition through strategic investment.