Bangkok, Thailand, October 17, 2025 – Following an intensive five-day learning programme conducted under the expert guidance of FIVB Course Instructor Mr David H. Smith from Scotland and Assistant Course Instructor Mr Bakhytzhan Baitureyev from Kazakhstan, the FIVB International Coaches Course Level 1 came to a fruitful and successful conclusion on Friday.
A total of 39 candidates from 14 countries – comprising 28 men and 11 women representing Malaysia, Italy, Canada, Croatia, Australia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, Laos, Maldives, Thailand, India, Singapore, Mongolia, and New Zealand – took part in the course. The event was jointly organised by the FIVB, in close cooperation with the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA) and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and held at the FIVB Development Center in Thailand.
The course officially opened on Monday, October 13, with Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, Honorary Life Vice President of the AVC and Honorary Life Secretary General of the TVA, presiding over the opening ceremony. The five-day course culminated in a well-attended closing ceremony on Friday, presided jointly by TVA President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang and Mr Shanrit.
Also in attendance were Mr Issara Riddhisinha, General Manager of the FIVB Development Center in Thailand, Mr Songsak Chareonpong, Chairman of Thailand Referee Committee, former chairman of AVC Referee Committee and member of FIVB Rule of the Game & Refereeing Commission, along with Mr Smith, Mr Baitureyev, and all participating coaches.
Throughout the past five days, participants gained a wealth of theoretical and practical coaching knowledge from the two highly experienced instructors. The programme provided a structured framework for developing coaching competencies, equipping candidates with the tools needed to progress from national to international levels. Participants also exchanged ideas and shared best practices on the latest coaching methodologies under the instructors’ close mentorship.
The certificate presentation and closing ceremony took place at the FIVB Development Center on Friday. In his closing remarks, Mr Somporn expressed his heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in the successful organisation of the course and extended special gratitude to Mr Smith and Mr Baitureyev for their unwavering support and professional dedication.
“On behalf of the Thailand Volleyball Association, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all participants of the FIVB International Coaches Course Level 1 for your remarkable achievement after five days of hard work and commitment,” said Mr Somporn. “My deepest thanks also go to our excellent Course Instructor, Mr David Smith, and Assistant Course Instructor, Mr Baitureyev, both of whom played a pivotal role in ensuring the course’s success.
“I am strongly confident that the knowledge and experience you have gained during this course will serve as a solid foundation for your future coaching careers. May you all become well-qualified coaches to be reckoned with in the near future. Last but not least, I wish everyone a safe trip back home. I now officially declare the FIVB International Coaches Course Level 1 closed.”
The ceremony concluded with TVA President Mr Somporn presenting certificates to all candidates amid warm applause and congratulatory smiles.
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