26/05/2026
First time Beach Volleyball FIVB Coaching Level 1 Training Successfully Concludes in Kiribati.
The Beach Volleyball FIVB Coaching Level 1 Training officially concluded on 23 May after five days of intensive theoretical and practical sessions held at the RAK Center Boardroom Antebuka and the Tobwaan Te Rikirake Beach Court Park in Betio.
The program commenced on 19 May and brought together volleyball enthusiasts, coaches, and PE teachers from across Tarawa with the aim of strengthening beach volleyball coaching capacity and developing the sport at grassroots and elite levels. The course focused on modern coaching techniques, beach volleyball fundamentals, athlete development, training methodologies, match preparation, and updated international volleyball standards FIVB.
A total of 35 participants initially registered for the course. However, after the completion of the intensive training and assessments, only nine coaches successfully completed the full program and passed the course requirements.
The training was conducted by Ms Lauren Michelle Soderberg, a qualified FIVB Coaching Facilitator from Australia, who delivered both classroom theory sessions and practical beach court activities throughout the week. Participants were exposed to international coaching standards and practical learning experiences designed to improve coaching quality within Kiribati.
The practical sessions were carried out at Tobwaan Te Rikirake Beach Court Park, where participants demonstrated coaching drills, team management skills, player development exercises, and beach volleyball game strategies.
The program was fully funded by the FIVB in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee through the support of the Kiribati National Olympic Committee.
The initiative reflects the continued commitment of international and local sporting bodies toward the development of volleyball in Kiribati and the Pacific region.
Officials and participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers, facilitator, and supporting organizations for making the training possible, noting that the program has significantly contributed to improving local coaching knowledge and strengthening the future of beach volleyball in Kiribati.
Te Mauri Te Raoi ao Te Tabomoa.
