Basse, Upper River Region | 12th February 2026
The FIVB Knowledge Transfer for Coaches Training in the Upper River Region concluded on Thursday with renewed commitment to grassroots volleyball development, as stakeholders praised the programme’s impact on technical capacity building in the region.
Earlier in the morning, the President of The Gambia Volleyball Federation (GVBF) and President of the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC), Mr. Bai Dodou Jallow, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Upper River Region, Hon. Samba Bah, ahead of the closing ceremony.
The delegation included the 1st Vice President of GVBF, Mr. Lamin A. Jammeh; Sara Camara, representing the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council (NSC); FIVB Instructor Mr. Mbaye Deme of Senegal; and the Chairman of the URR Regional Sports Association, Alagie Muya Baldeh.
The purpose of the visit was to formally brief the Governor on the successful implementation of the FIVB Knowledge Transfer programme, held from 8th to 12th February 2026, and its contribution to strengthening grassroots coaching structures in the region.
Speaking at the closing ceremony later in the day, Sara Camara, representing both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council, described the training as impactful and transformative.
Camara noted that throughout the programme he witnessed both the theoretical classroom sessions and the practical court demonstrations, including lessons on basic skills such as digging, flipping, and setting, as well as advanced sessions on player positioning, the libero’s defensive role, the setter’s leadership in organizing attacks, and effective court communication.
He highlighted the active participation of young boys and girls during the sessions, describing it as a strong message of inclusion, gender balance, and youth empowerment in sports.
“This training has laid a solid foundation in the Upper River Region. When coaches understand the fundamentals, athletes perform better. What we have built here is not just knowledge, but capacity,” he stated.
Camara urged participants to transfer the knowledge acquired to their clubs, schools, and communities, emphasizing that the real success of the programme would be measured by its long-term impact on player development and regional competitiveness.
The FIVB Knowledge Transfer for Coaches Training in Basse forms part of ongoing efforts by the Gambia Volleyball Federation, in collaboration with FIVB and national stakeholders, to strengthen grassroots coaching education and promote the sustainable growth of volleyball across The Gambia.