For Syrian volleyball coach Haitham Aleter, the most important question is not only how to improve the National Team today but ensure the strongest possible team for future generations.
That long-term vision is at the heart of the Volleyball Empowerment project in Syria.
The focus is on a broader pathway for women’s volleyball – from grassroots participation and talent identification to youth National Teams, coach education and the senior National Team.
“If we develop only the current team, our impact finishes with one generation,” coach Aleter says. “If we develop young players, educate coaches, create a permanent training center and connect volleyball with education, then we are building something that can continue without us. For me, that is the real meaning of empowerment.”
Creating a National Talent Centre
A central element of this approach is the National Talent Centre.
It has been created as a permanent bridge between clubs and the National Teams. It gives talented girls the opportunity to train and develop throughout the year.
The Centre is a fantastic facility at the heart of the talent pathway linking grassroots volleyball, talent identification, and ultimately the senior National Team.
From grassroots to the National Team
The development pathway begins with introductory and mini-volleyball activities for younger children before progressing through U14, U16 and U18 age groups.
For Aleter, creating that environment is essential to making the most of the talent in Syria:
“Talent needs an environment. Syria has talented girls, passionate volleyball communities and families who want their daughters to succeed. Our responsibility is to connect those elements into a pathway.”
For U18 National Team captain Karla Najjar, that pathway has already changed what feels possible:
“Being part of the National Talent Center has given me confidence, motivation, and a clear pathway to improve both as a volleyball player and as a student. For the first time, I feel that my dream of becoming a professional athlete is possible.”
Combining volleyball and education
Education is fundamental for the long-term.
In 2019, Aleter launched “Volleyball for Future”, an initiative combining volleyball with educational support, particularly English and mathematics.
About 50-80 girls became involved, with capacity becoming the main limitation on further expansion.
The ambition is to integrate educational support into the National Talent Centre itself, enabling girls to continue their studies while developing their volleyball potential.
U16 player Ghazal Alhamwi highlighted this:
“My dream is to become a professional volleyball player. This programme gives us the possibility to work toward that dream while continuing our studies. I want volleyball to be an important part of my future.”
Rebuilding a sustainable training environment
Infrastructure remains one of the major challenges facing volleyball development in the area, but there are already plans underway. Renovation of the current facility is ensuring the future stars have somewhere to practice and train in a safe and reliable environment. A base for children, youth players and National Talent Centre activities.
Plans to expand solar energy which could help reduce operating costs and increase the facility’s sustainability.
Investing in coaches
Developing the next generation of players also requires developing the coaches who will guide them.
Coach education is therefore one of the main pillars of the project. FIVB Level I and Level II Coaches Courses have already been conducted during the first phase, with more courses planned for November.
The project is also putting emphasis on developing female coaches, helping to strengthen the local coaching base and create greater opportunities for women within the sport.
A pathway designed to last
Volleyball Empowerment is helping provide continuity and the opportunity to plan beyond the next competition with USD 21,000 invested in indoor women’s volleyball for 2026-2027. With challenges and financial constraints making development difficult, the commitment and involvement of the local community is vital.
The ambition is clear: a growing grassroots base, stronger youth teams, a National Talent Centre, educated local coaches, and a permanent training environment.
And perhaps most importantly, a pathway that a young girl can see from the very beginning.
As coach Aleter said: “My dream is that a young girl can enter mini-volleyball, progress through U14, U16 and U18, train at the National Talent Center, continue her education and one day represent Syria at senior level.”
