Scottish Volleyball was proudly represented at the recent FIVB Level 2 Coaching Course in Limerick, Ireland, where four coaches from Scotland took part in an intensive week of learning and development under the guidance of world-class tutors.
Representing Scottish Volleyball, Adam Paton, Jas Orr, and Kenny Milne all took part, gaining valuable international insight into advanced coaching practices. The week-long course covered a wide range of technical and tactical topics, including attack and block progression, offensive and defensive systems, ball control and reception, setting, season and practice planning, scouting, physical conditioning, and injury prevention.
Participants were challenged through a mix of classroom sessions, on-court practice, and examinations, ensuring a well-rounded and applied learning experience. After a demanding week of practical and theoretical sessions, all three successfully passed the course. Adam Paton was further recognised as course vice-MVP, achieving the second-highest combined score across the practical and written examinations.
Ally Jack, Head of Performance and Coaching, also attended the course as an assistant tutor, working alongside FIVB Tutor Gordon Mayforth. Gordon Mayforth is a highly accomplished FIVB Tutor whose coaching career spans decades and continents. He has led and assisted national teams from Japan and Greece and has held head coaching positions with the Sakai Blazers and JT Thunders in Japan’s top leagues. His tenure includes leading teams to championships in the Indonesian Proliga and Cyprus First Division and Cup, as well as the professional ranks in the United States, where he has worked in the Pro Volleyball Federation.
This opportunity formed part of Ally’s progression towards hopefully becoming a certified FIVB Tutor himself; a significant step that will benefit coach education in Scotland for years to come. Speaking about the course, Ally Jack said:
“It was fantastic to see Scottish coaches not only participating but excelling at this level. Adam, Jas, and Kenny all represented Scottish Volleyball with real professionalism and commitment. For me personally, learning from Gordon Mayforth and continuing the journey to becoming an FIVB Tutor was hugely valuable. This experience strengthens our coaching capacity in Scotland and opens up exciting opportunities for the future.”
Scottish Volleyball CEO, Margaret Ann Fleming, MBE, added: “As CEO of Scottish Volleyball and a member of the FIVB BOA, it was fabulous for me to see three of our well-known, dedicated and talented coaches excelling at this FIVB Level II coaching course.
“Scotland has really embraced the opportunity to upskill and progress our national and club coaches through the support of the FIVB Empowerment Project.
“Congratulations are given to Jas, Kenny and Adam, and to Ally, who is successfully progressing towards becoming a qualified FIVB tutor.”
Scottish Volleyball extends its congratulations to Ally, Adam, Jas, and Kenny for their achievements and thanks the FIVB and Volleyball Ireland for hosting such a high-quality course.
