One unforgettable week for the future of Irish volleyball.
As our U18 National Teams return home, we look back on an incredible few days of learning, development, and team bonding, both abroad in Milan and out west in Galway.
U18 Men’s National Team – Milan, Italy
The U18 Men’s team spent four high-performance days in Milan, training at the prestigious FIPAV Training Centre , a rare opportunity and an invaluable experience for the squad.
Throughout the week, the boys trained at a high intensity, absorbing the pace, precision, and tactical demands that Head Coach Graham Bell, threw at them. A standout moment came when the group had the unique honour of facing the U18 Italian National Team in two friendly matches. It was a brilliant test of character, communication, and adaptability, and the players rose to the challenge with pride.
Off the court, the team also enjoyed an unforgettable evening attending a professional match hosted by Vero Volley Monza, a memory that will stay with them for years to come.
From Milan’s volleyball culture to its iconic atmosphere, the trip gave our young athletes a powerful glimpse into what it means to compete at the next level.
U18 Women’s National Team – Galway, Ireland
While the boys trained abroad, the U18 Women’s National Team were making their own strides out west in Galway, where they enjoyed a fantastic camp built around teamwork, progression, and performance.
The group brought great energy to every session, working hard through drills, systems, and competitive play. The environment in Galway was the perfect backdrop, focused, supportive, and full of team spirit.
The girls also used their time together to strengthen connections, refine on-court communication, and build confidence as a unit. With every session, the group took clear steps forward in their development. Head Coach Erica Fatini, is turning this group into fighters!
A Step Toward the U18 SCA Championships
Both teams returned home having achieved exactly what they needed from their respective camps. The U18 Boys gained invaluable experience facing elite opposition, including the opportunity to test themselves against the Italian U18 National Team, competition that challenged them, pushed their level, and showed them what it takes to compete at the highest standard.
Meanwhile, the U18 Girls benefitted hugely from being in a focused training environment in Galway, where they could dedicate their full attention to improving their skills, strengthening their fundamentals, and growing together as a squad.
Both camps provided the perfect preparation as our young athletes continue their journey toward the U18 SCA Championships.
A massive thank you to everyone who supported these camps, coaches, staff, partners, and hosts in Italy and Ireland. The future of Irish volleyball is bright, and this week was another exciting step forward.
