Bangkok, Thailand, October 13, 2025 – A total of 39 candidates from 14 countries are currently participating in the FIVB International Coaches Course Level 1 at the FIVB Development Center in Thailand. The course is jointly conducted by FIVB Course Instructor Mr David H. Smith from Scotland and Assistant Course Instructor Mr Bakhytzhan Baitureyev from Kazakhstan.
The intensive five-day course, taking place from October 13 to 17, is organized by the FIVB in collaboration with the Thailand Volleyball Association (TVA), AVC and the FIVB Development Center in Thailand. It brings together 28 men and 11 women from Malaysia, Italy, Canada, Croatia, Australia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, Laos, Maldives, Thailand, India, Singapore, Mongolia, and New Zealand.
Through both theoretical and practical sessions, participants are being equipped with a structured framework for developing their coaching competencies – from national-level guidance to becoming fully qualified international coaches in the future.
The TVA and the FIVB Development Center in Thailand have provided a well-prepared and supportive learning environment, ensuring that participants not only gain valuable technical knowledge but also have the opportunity to share experiences and exchange ideas on the latest coaching trends under the guidance of Mr Smith.
A former international indoor volleyball referee with vast experience in coaching and instruction, Mr. Smith is no stranger to leading FIVB coaching programs across Asia. In 2022 and 2023, he served as Course Instructor for the FIVB Coaches Course Beach Volleyball at the FIVB Development Center in Thailand, and in 2016, he conducted the FIVB Volleyball Your Way Teachers Course in Vanuatu.
The course officially opened on Monday at the FIVB Development Center in Thailand, with Mr Shanrit Wongprasert, Honorary Life Vice President of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and Honorary Life Secretary General of the Thailand Volleyball Association, presiding over the ceremony and welcoming all participants.
“On behalf of TVA President Mr Somporn Chaibangyang, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all participants of the FIVB International Coaches Course Level 1, being held here at the FIVB Development Center in Thailand from October 13 to 17, 2025. I would also like to take this auspicious opportunity to welcome FIVB Course Instructor Mr David Smith and Assistant Course Instructor Mr Bakhytzhan Baitureyev,” said Shanrit.
“This course not only provides an opportunity for all candidates to sharpen your coaching skills and deepen your understanding of volleyball theories and rules, but also helps you learn how to become accomplished and confident coaches in the near future. With the great expertise of Mr Smith and Mr Baitureyev, I firmly believe that each of you will meet your expectations and achieve new milestones in your coaching careers.”
Mr Shanrit also expressed his gratitude to the FIVB Development Center in Thailand, located inside Ramkhamhaeng University, and to the TVA for their excellent coordination and efforts in ensuring the smooth and successful organization of the five-day course. He concluded by wishing all participants great success in their learning journey.
At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Mr Shanrit presented souvenirs to Mr David Smith and Mr Bakhytzhan Baitureyev. In a gesture of goodwill and respect, Mr Baitureyev placed a traditional Kazakh hat on Mr Shanrit’s head, symbolizing respect and honor.
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