Following the decision of the FIVB Executive Board, Barbados has launched its FIVB Regional Development Centre on February 5th 2006.

This new FIVB Development Centre will provide dedicated resources to 24 English-speaking small island states that are part of the NORCECA Confederation. The objective of the centre is to raise the level of competition at the regional level through coaching, management and competitions and eventually place one or more of these teams in the international arena.

The Barbados Government and sporting bodies, the National Sports Council and the Barbados Olympic Association have added their support to FIVB in facilitating the provision of office facilities and equipment.

President of the Barbados Volleyball Association John GRIFFITH has described the establishment of the Center in Barbados as a wonderful opportunity for Barbados to call on its Caribbean brothers to support and build our sport by "keeping the ball flying" as outlined by FIVB's President, Dr. Rubén ACOSTA and the President of Norceca, Mr. Cristobal MARTE HOFFIZ.

FIVB Coaches' Instructor, Dr. Paul Brasson will manage the development Centre which will be sited at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex which is centrally located in Barbados. Dr. Brasson has been based in Barbados since 2000 where he has been able to conduct numerous courses here and throughout the region.