PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (March 11, 2026) — Building on recent strategic planning
sessions, the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) hosted a specialized
technical meeting on March 11, featuring Hitesh Malhotra, FIVB Head of Empowerment
and National Federation (NF) Relations. The session provided a comprehensive
roadmap for regional federations to access global funding, equipment, and high-
performance training through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Platform.
The Volleyball Empowerment Platform
A central component of the meeting was a live demonstration of the application process
for three critical tiers of FIVB support:
– Type A (Coach Support): Funding for professional coaches to lead national
teams, requiring detailed project descriptions and performance targets.
– Type B (Equipment): Provision of essential volleyball gear. FIVB clarified that
while import licenses are necessary, they can be secured after project approval,
with FIVB providing documentation to assist with customs exemptions.
– Type C (Knowledge Transfer): Programs designed to develop local expertise in
coaching and administration.
New “Centers of Excellence” Opportunities
Starting April 1, 2026, a new high-performance initiative will launch within the
NORCECA region. National Federations can apply for funding to send teams to
recognized Centers of Excellence, such as the facility in the Dominican Republic, for
intensive training camps:
– Indoor Volleyball: Up to $6,000 USD available per federation.
– Beach Volleyball: $2,000 USD per team, with a maximum of two applications
per federation.
– Advanced Funding: To facilitate participation, 75% of funding will be provided
upfront on a trust basis.
Regional Referee Development
To address the need for more qualified officials, CAZOVA is spearheading a collective
application for an International Referee Candidate Course (IRCC). This zonal
program could provide up to $6,000 USD in funding to cover expert costs and training,
provided that national federations collaborate on the application before the March 31,
2026 deadline.
A Call to Action for Member Federations
President Mushtaque Mohammed and the CAZOVA board reminded all members that
approved projects must commence within six months of signing to ensure efficient cash
flow and resource management. Federations were also reminded to complete their
annual referee registrations on the VIS platform.
“The tools provided by the FIVB Empowerment Platform are a game-changer for our
region,” stated President Mohammed. “By streamlining how we apply for coaching and
equipment, we are removing the traditional barriers to growth and setting a new
standard for Caribbean volleyball.”
