UAE plans regional training centre for beach volleyball

Ajmanl: A top official from the world governing body for volleyball is eyeing a huge boost for the sport following the UAE's desire to have a regional training centre for the sport here.

"The setting up of the training centre for beach volleyball in the UAE will be a historic moment for the sport worldwide," Angelo Squeo told reporters on the sidelines of the final day of the 13th GCC Beach Volleyball Championships that concluded in Ajman late on Sunday.

Advanced stage

The UAE has already been in advanced talks with the FIVB, the world's governing body for volleyball, for the setting up of a state-of-the-art beach volleyball training centre in the country.

"We have not decided on the actual location of the centre, but we are in talks with the government and sponsors," UAE Volleyball Association President Amer Ali had told Gulf News last month.

"We have 11 volleyball training centres world-wide, but this one is unique as it will concentrate on beach volleyball. Not only will it help develop the sport, players and officials, it will also bring together the community from across the region," Squeo said.

"First we did not have a funding process for beach volleyball. But now we have got sponsors and so we have started making money through the sport and this money is being pushed back to ensure its development," Squeo said.