Turkey's Tepebaşı Municipality Cultivates Future Volleyball Stars
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Tepebaşı Municipality in Turkey is offering volleyball training for 145 children aged 8-14.
- The program aims to teach fundamental techniques, develop skills, and promote healthy lifestyles, with participants expressing enjoyment and skill acquisition.
- The municipality hopes to nurture future national volleyball stars, inspired by the success of the Turkish women's national team.
In Eskişehir, Turkey, Tepebaşı Municipality is fostering the next generation of volleyball talent through its youth sports courses. The program, which attracts 145 children aged 8 to 14, has become a popular offering, with participants honing their skills under expert guidance.
I spend my time here very well. Playing sports with my friends here is very fun.
Children like Masal Küner, who has attended for three years, describe the experience as "very fun" and a great way to learn basic techniques such as "headline and finger pass." She added, "I spend my time here very well. Playing sports with my friends here is very fun."
İrem Su Aykanat, who started at a young age and now assists coaches while playing for her school team, emphasized the program's foundational role. "I learned a lot in volleyball, I laid all my foundations here," she stated, recommending the courses to others.
I learned a lot in volleyball, I laid all my foundations here.
Officials highlight the program's importance, drawing inspiration from the Turkish women's national volleyball team's recent championship victories. "Who knows, maybe one of the future 'Filenin Sultanları' (Sultans of the Net) will emerge from the children training in our facilities today," said one official. The municipality sees nurturing these young athletes as a source of pride, contributing to the development of individuals who could one day represent the country internationally. The focus remains on promoting sports, healthy development, and self-confidence among the youth.
Who knows, maybe one of the future 'Filenin Sultanları' (Sultans of the Net) will emerge from the children training in our facilities today.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.