Toowoomba Grammar School Director of Volleyball, Mr Eric Smith is one of the highest ranked volleyball coaches in Queensland following a recent accreditation course.

Eric attended the first ever Australian-based Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Level 2 Coaching Clinic in July.

The five-day course involved both theory and practical work with the 29 participants really put through their paces, led by FIVB Educational Instructor and multi-national coach Mr Peter Nonnenbroich. This qualification is recognised by many countries around the world when looking for coaching staff.

“This qualification is a ticket to coaching at the elite level throughout the world,” Eric stated.

“You needed to not only know your stuff but be able to execute it practically.”

Participants included former national Australian and Serbian players and high-performance coaches at the Australian Volleyball Academy. Unfortunately, not all participants passed the testing but still learnt so much about the game and methods of coaching that their clubs and schools will benefit from their new knowledge.

Eric is now one of just four coaches in Queensland to hold this qualification and will use the experience to enhance the quality of coaching to our volleyball athletes.

Eric’s focus for the next six months is to engage within the TGS community to develop our most junior players to their potential and to push our new 1^st VI to a level they have never been.

“Achieving this accreditation gives me a sense of personal pride that I can match it as a coach at any level,” said Eric.