Andorra`s national volleyball and beach volleyball programs are seeing significant progress thanks to focused support from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment initiative. Following a period lacking full-time coaches and consistent international play, the National Federation launched structured development strategies in 2023. These plans emphasize regular training, youth talent pipelines, and national team involvement in both sports.
The Andorran Volleyball Federation appointed two full-time national coaches in 2023, one for each discipline, leveraging $168,000 in funding from the Volleyball Empowerment program.
Beyond coaching, the federation also acquired essential equipment via the program, such as Mikasa volleyballs and Senoh net systems, provided throughout 2023 and 2024. This provision guarantees that both volleyball and beach volleyball squads have reliable access to high-quality training gear for their development.
The introduction of dedicated coaching personnel represents a move away from the previous reliance on semi-professional setups. Since then, national teams have begun regular training camps for young and junior athletes, increased their international participation, and reinforced connections between clubs, schools, and the national programs.
Volleyball coach Abel Bernal commented, “The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme represents a significant change in how the national federation operates. Previously, the structure relied on semi-professional roles. Having two coaches fully dedicated to volleyball in the country benefits not just the national team but the entire federation. The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme provides a significant boost for a small country like Andorra.”
Before receiving Empowerment support, Andorra had not participated in international competitions for several years. According to Technical Director Louis Hillaire, this gap was attributed to a shortage of professional staff and limited finances. He stated, “There was insufficient focus on promoting and technically developing both areas, particularly concerning training and identifying new talent.”
With the arrival of Empowerment support, the perspective has changed. The federation has established a national framework for junior development, aiming for participation in upcoming European Zonal Championships for Small States in beach volleyball and future U20 volleyball championships. A clear strategy for nurturing the next generation is now in place.
Andorra is already seeing positive results on the court. At the 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe, hosted in Andorra, the country`s beach volleyball teams won bronze medals in both the men`s and women`s tournaments. In indoor volleyball, the men`s team also claimed bronze, and the U20 squad won the Small Countries Association Championship in a separate event, also held in Andorra.
While these accomplishments may seem modest globally, they are highly significant for a federation that has only recently returned to regional competition. Hillaire noted, “To date, we`ve secured two bronze medals in beach volleyball for both women and men at the Andorra 2025 Games of the Small States of Europe. This directly stems from our success in establishing consistent training and development structures.”
For the athletes themselves, the advantages are personal and clear. Christian Ribeiro, a national beach volleyball player, shared how the updated training environment has impacted both his personal performance and the broader culture of volleyball in Andorra.
Christian Ribeiro stated, “I’ve been playing beach volleyball for Andorra for two years. I can confirm that, since the FIVB coaches arrived, both my performance and the overall development of volleyball in the country have seen significant improvement. Their work is highly beneficial, particularly at the grassroots level. They are identifying promising players and fostering the growth of volleyball in Andorra, which, in my view, is exactly why they are here.”
Andorra is currently getting ready for several zonal age-group tournaments scheduled for this summer, including U17 and U19 qualifiers for both beach and indoor volleyball. Regular daily training sessions and matches held in nearby Catalonia and France, along with frequent development camps for various age groups, are now standard practice, a stark contrast to the limited activity in past years.
Crucially, the national federation is adopting a long-term perspective. By prioritizing development at the foundational level, Andorra aims to build a more sustainable flow of athletes capable of representing the nation at the senior level in future years.
Louis Hillaire added, “Our primary goal right now for both volleyball and beach volleyball is developing players from a young age and establishing youth teams. This strategy will enable us to become more competitive within the Small Countries Association in the future.”
Volleyball Empowerment has equipped Andorra with the resources to construct a more stable and integrated system. Featuring clearer strategies, consistent training, and comprehensive support for both volleyball disciplines, the federation is now concentrated on its long-range growth.
Hillaire concluded, “Expanding the player base will be crucial for fostering the national senior team in the years ahead. For us, this signifies a generational transition that we are confidently preparing for.”
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood