Taiwan's U17 boys' volleyball team trains in Yilan, receives local support

Elite high school volleyball players preparing for the 2026 U17 World Championship in Qatar are undergoing intensive training in Yilan, Taiwan. The team, comprising 14 top talents from across the island, is based at Toucheng Home Economics and Commerce Vocational High School.

To support the young athletes, Lin Tsung-chi, a Yilan County Councilor and the head of the County Volleyball Committee, visited the team. He brought along "Grandma's Scallion Pancake," a popular local delicacy, and a NT$20,000 bonus to enhance the team's meals. Lin emphasized the importance of their hard work and wished them success on the international stage.

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The players can stand on the world stage, and behind them are countless drops of sweat and unremitting hard practice. I hope this bonus can allow the children to eat well and replenish their energy, adjusting their bodies and minds to the best state, so they can prepare wholeheartedly without any worries.

Head coach Chen Chih-ta noted that Taiwan will face strong opponents like Egypt, the United States, and Turkey in the preliminary rounds of the expanded 24-team tournament. The team has set an ambitious goal of reaching the top eight, with aspirations for the top four. He expressed gratitude to Toucheng Home Economics and Commerce Vocational High School for providing facilities and accommodation, and to Lin for his encouragement.

The Yilan County Volleyball Committee pledged continued support for the national team's training needs, leveraging local resources to back the athletes. The team hopes to carry the nation's blessings and energy to Qatar, aiming to bring honor to Taiwan.

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The team has already set phased goals of 'first reaching the quarterfinals, then striving for the semifinals.'