What Can Children and Parents Expect from Rise Strong Volleyball Camp?

Daniela Kinsella

As we get ready for our Summer Rise Strong Volleyball Camp in Skibbereen, I thought it would be helpful to share a little about what the week will look like.

While volleyball is at the centre of the camp, we also spend time helping children develop confidence, resilience, communication, and teamwork. My goal is that children leave having learned some volleyball skills, made new friends, and gained confidence in themselves.

Read more about how our easter camp went here

Looking Back at Our Easter Camp

Our Easter camp was a great week. We had children with different levels of experience, including some who had never played volleyball before.

Throughout the week, we focused on a different theme each day:

Day 1 – Be Brave

Starting something new can feel uncomfortable. We encouraged the children to try new skills, ask questions, and not worry about making mistakes.

Day 2 – Stay Strong

Volleyball can be challenging at times. We talked about keeping going when something feels difficult and learning from mistakes rather than giving up.

Day 3 – Be a Team

Volleyball is a team sport, and players quickly learn that they cannot do everything on their own. We worked on communication, supporting teammates, and working together.

Day 4 – Rise Strong

On the final day, we looked back at everything the children had learned during the week and encouraged them to recognise how much progress they had made.

Learning Through Teamwork

One of the nicest parts of the camp was watching the children grow more comfortable with each other as the week went on.

At the beginning, many of them were quiet and unsure. By the end of the week, they were encouraging each other, working together during games, and celebrating each other’s successes.

We use a lot of small group activities and team challenges because they help children learn how to communicate and solve problems together.

The Final Tournament

The camp finished with a mini tournament where the children had a chance to put everything they had learned into practice.

The focus was not on winning but on participation, teamwork, and doing their best. Parents were invited to watch, and it was lovely to see how much the children had improved over just a few days.

At the end of the tournament, the children received medals and certificates to recognise their effort and commitment throughout the week.

Summer Camp 2026

This summer we will be running Rise Strong Volleyball Camp in Skibbereen.

Dates: 27th–31st July 2026
Location: Gaelscoil Dr. Uí Shúilleabháin, Skibbereen
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily
Age Group: U13 Beginners
Cost: €100 per child

The camp is suitable for children who are new to volleyball and want to spend a week learning, playing, and making friends in a positive environment.

I am looking forward to welcoming another group of young players this summer.

Register here

Be Brave. Stay Strong. Be a Team. Rise Strong.

Schools Programme

Daniela Kinsella
athletes playing volleyball
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Bringing Volleyball to West Cork Schools

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover a sport they enjoy, build confidence, and experience the benefits of being part of a team. That is why we created our School Volleyball Programme, a six-week introduction to volleyball designed for both primary and secondary schools throughout West Cork.

Over the past school year, Coach Dani delivered the programme to 11 schools across the region, introducing hundreds of children to one of the world’s most popular team sports. The response from students, teachers, and principals has been overwhelmingly positive.

Why Volleyball?

Volleyball is a sport for everyone. It encourages teamwork, communication, resilience, coordination, and problem-solving skills. Unlike many sports, volleyball can be enjoyed by children of different abilities and athletic backgrounds, making it highly inclusive.

One of the most encouraging pieces of feedback we have received from schools is that volleyball often appeals to children who may not normally enjoy PE or traditional team sports. Many students who are reluctant to participate in other activities discover a new sense of confidence and enjoyment through volleyball.

What Does the Programme Include?

Our six-week programme introduces students to:

  • Basic volleyball skills and techniques
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Game rules and court awareness
  • Fun skill-building activities and challenges
  • Mini games and match play

Sessions are adapted to suit different age groups and abilities, ensuring that every child can participate and enjoy the experience.

Looking Ahead

As volleyball continues to grow in popularity throughout Ireland and here in West Cork, we are excited about the future. For the coming school year, we are planning to organise inter-school volleyball tournaments, giving participating schools the opportunity to compete, have fun, and celebrate their progress together.

Book Your School for Next Year

We are currently taking bookings for the upcoming school year. If you would like to bring our six-week volleyball programme to your school, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can help more young people discover a sport they can enjoy for life.

For more information or to reserve a place, please contact Coach Dani.

If you are interested in getting your school involved sign up Here School Programme

Rise Strong Volleyball

Daniela Kinsella

Summer Camps Are Here!

We are so excited to officially announce that we have secured three locations for our Rise Strong Volleyball Summer Camps 2026.

Our camps, designed and led by Coach Dani, are perfect for children aged 8–12 years old. They are ideal for beginners wanting to try volleyball for the first time, as well as for children who already play and would like to improve their skills.

At Rise Strong, volleyball is about much more than sport. As the name of our camps suggests, we focus on helping children build:

  • Resilience
  • Confidence
  • Teamwork
  • Communication skills
  • A positive mindset

Most importantly, we want every child to have fun, make friends, stay active, and enjoy learning in a supportive environment.

Throughout the week, children will learn the basics of volleyball through games, drills, teamwork activities, and mini matches — all in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.

Camp Locations & Dates

📍 Leap Hall

13th – 17th July
⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

📍 Ballydehob Hall

20th – 24th July
⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

📍 The Gaelscoil Skibbereen

27th – 31s July
⏰ 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Places are limited to ensure the best possible experience for every child, so early booking is strongly recommended.

We cannot wait to welcome the children this summer and help them Rise Strong both on and off the court!

To register you can click here: Register Now – Summer Camp 2026 or the QR code below.

Easter Volleyball Camp

Daniela Kinsella

4 Days of Fun!

This past April, we had an amazing 4-day Easter Volleyball Camp for our U13 players, and what a fantastic few days it was!

From the very first session, the energy and enthusiasm from the kids was incredible. Over the four days, players were introduced to the fundamentals of volleyball, developed their skills, and most importantly—had lots of fun along the way.

We focused on building confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game. There were plenty of drills, games, and mini matches, giving everyone a chance to learn, improve, and enjoy being part of a team. It was great to see friendships growing and players supporting each other throughout the camp.

One of the highlights was watching how much progress everyone made in just a few days—both in their skills and their confidence on the court.

A huge thank you to all the players who took part and brought such great energy each day. It truly made the camp special!

👉 Stay tuned… Rise Strong Camp will be back for summer! ☀️🏐

https://www.instagram.com/risestrong2026?igsh=aHJ3Z2x0MXd5bjFz&utm_source=qr

We’re So Excited for Tuesday – Volleyball Camp Begins!

Daniela Kinsella

We are so excited to finally kick off our volleyball camp this Tuesday! The energy is building, preparations are coming together, and we cannot wait to welcome all the children for what promises to be an amazing few days.

And yes… the medals have arrived! 🥇
We can’t wait to see the smiles when they receive them at the end of the camp.

What to Expect

Each day will begin with arrival at 1:00 PM, where the children will be welcomed and introduced to our team leaders. From there, we’ll jump into fun, structured sessions designed to keep everyone active, engaged, and learning.

But this camp is about so much more than volleyball.

Our Daily Themes

Each day, we will focus on a special theme to help guide not only the training, but also personal growth:

  • Day 1: Be Brave
  • Day 2: Stay Strong
  • Day 3: Be a Team
  • Day 4: Rise Strong

These themes will be woven into our activities, games, and reflections throughout the camp.

More Than Just Volleyball

While the children will learn key volleyball skills such as movement, passing, and teamwork, they will also be developing something even more important:

👉 Confidence
👉 Resilience
👉 Team spirit
👉 A positive mindset

Our goal is to create an environment where every child feels encouraged, supported, and proud of their progress.

Our Mission

I am deeply passionate about guiding children to become the best version of themselves. Through sport, we have the opportunity to shape not only athletes, but strong, confident individuals who will go on to make a positive impact in the world.

We are truly looking forward to starting this journey together on Tuesday. It’s going to be a fantastic few days!

See you all soon 🏐💛

Coach Dani

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Rise Strong Resilience Volleyball Camp

Introduction to Volleyball Camp

Daniela Kinsella

A Fun Way for Kids to Learn a New Sport

We are excited to announce our Introduction to Volleyball Camp for kids under 13 years old, taking place this April! This camp is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn the basics of volleyball in a fun, supportive, and active environment.

Whether your child has never played volleyball before or simply wants to improve their skills, this camp is designed to help them build confidence, learn new techniques, and enjoy being part of a team.

Camp Details

Dates: April 7th – April 10th
Times:
• 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
or
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Cost: €60 for the full 4-day camp
Age Group: All children under 13 are welcome

During the camp, players will learn the fundamental skills of volleyball, including:

  • Passing
  • Setting
  • Serving
  • Basic game rules
  • Movement and teamwork

Each session is designed to be engaging, active, and beginner-friendly, with plenty of games and drills that make learning volleyball exciting.

Why Volleyball?

Volleyball is a wonderful sport for children because it helps develop:

  • Coordination
  • Teamwork
  • Confidence
  • Communication
  • Physical fitness

It’s also a sport that encourages friendship, fun, and positive energy, which is exactly what we aim to create during our camp.

What to Expect

Our goal at Coach Mom is to introduce young players to volleyball in a way that is fun, welcoming, and encouraging. Every child will have the chance to participate, learn new skills, and enjoy the experience regardless of their level.

By the end of the camp, players will have a strong foundation in volleyball basics and a better understanding of how the game works.

How to Register

To register your child for the camp please fill this form below:

Volleyball Camp Application

If you have any questions, feel free to contact:

Coach Dani
📞 089 427 7833

Spaces are limited, so we encourage families to register early to secure a spot.

We can’t wait to welcome your child for four days of learning, fun, and volleyball!

Exciting Growth of the Coach Mom Schools Project into 2026

Daniela Kinsella

Coach Mom Schools Project: From September 2025 to an Exciting 2026

The Coach Mom Schools Project officially began in September 2025, and even in this short time, it has already become something I am incredibly proud of.

Starting this project was a big step — bringing volleyball into schools with the goal of giving children a positive, fun, and confidence-building introduction to sport. Since September, it has been amazing to see students engage with the sessions, try something new, and grow more comfortable and confident each week.

What makes this journey even more exciting is looking ahead to 2026. Many schools have already signed up to take part, and knowing that the project will expand into new schools and reach even more children fills me with gratitude and excitement. Each new school represents fresh energy, new faces, and new opportunities to help young people discover movement, teamwork, and self-belief through volleyball.

Although the project is still in its early days, the response from schools has been incredibly encouraging. It confirms that there is a real desire for programmes that support children not just physically, but also socially and emotionally.

As we move toward 2026, I’m so excited to continue growing the Coach Mom Schools Project, stepping into new school halls, and sharing the joy of volleyball with many more students.

This is only the beginning — and I can’t wait to see where it leads next. 💙🏐

A New Season, A New Project: Volleyball in West Cork Schools

Daniela Kinsella

September always feels like a fresh start. For me, this year marks not only the beginning of a new season with West Cork Volleyball Club, but also the launch of something very close to my heart—bringing volleyball into schools across West Cork.

As Coach Mom, I’ve been dreaming of finding ways to make volleyball more accessible to young people, and this school project is a big step forward. Right now, we have 13 schools signed up to learn the basics of the sport! That means hundreds of children are being introduced to volleyball, many for the very first time.

My goal is simple: to give students enough skills and confidence to add volleyball to their list of playground and break-time games. Volleyball is such a fun, inclusive sport—everyone gets a chance to play, move, laugh, and learn teamwork. By starting with the fundamentals, I hope these children will discover the joy of the game and carry it with them, whether they continue in school, join a club, or just enjoy a friendly match with friends.

Of course, the club season and the school project go hand in hand. As the West Cork Volleyball Club grows, so does the community around it. By planting the seeds in schools, we’re building the future of volleyball in West Cork. Who knows? Some of these children may soon be joining our club sessions, representing the community, and even competing one day.

This project is just beginning, but the enthusiasm from schools, teachers, and—most importantly—the kids, has been incredible. Their smiles when they hit their first rally or cheer on their classmates remind me exactly why I started this journey.

Here’s to a season full of new beginnings, both on the court and in the classroom. West Cork volleyball is growing—and I couldn’t be prouder.

Volleyball at the Park

Daniela Kinsella

Back to the Park — Where It All Began

This August, we’re heading back to the park — and I couldn’t be more excited.

Last summer, I showed up at the park with a bag of volleyballs, a second-hand net, and a heart full of hope. I didn’t know how many kids would show up. I didn’t know if anyone would even be interested. All I knew was that I wanted to share this sport that had brought me so much joy — and offer something fun and active for the children and teens in our community.

And you know what? They came.

Shy smiles turned into laughs. Hesitant serves turned into high-fives. And slowly, something beautiful began to form — not just a few games in the park, but a sense of belonging.

What started as a simple summer activity became something so much bigger: West Cork Volleyball Club was born. Since then, we’ve trained indoors, joined tournaments, and watched young players grow in confidence and skill. And as a mom of eight, I’ve had the privilege of not just coaching — but witnessing friendships form, kids find their spark, and families come together around a shared love for sport.

Now, as we prepare for our second season, I want to go back to the beginning. Back to the park. Back to where we planted that very first seed.

So throughout the month of August, we’re offering free volleyball introduction sessions in Skibbereen and Dunmanway. These sessions are open to kids and teens (ages 7 and up), and they’re a chance to play, laugh, learn — and maybe, find something they love.

I’ll be coaching, of course — but this year, I’m not doing it alone. Some of our teen players from the club will be assisting, and that part warms my heart the most. Seeing them take on leadership roles, give back, and inspire the younger kids is such a gift.

These free sessions are about so much more than volleyball. They’re about community. They’re about confidence. They’re about showing up, trying something new, and realizing you’re capable of more than you think.

Whether your child is already part of our club or has never touched a volleyball before, they are welcome. This is where it starts. This is where it started for us.

Come be part of it 💛

With gratitude,
Daniela – Coach Mom

Sign Up your child on the link below!

https://westcorkvolleyballclub.com/2025/07/22/free-volleyball-in-the-park-join-us-this-august/

Photo by Vasily Baranov on Pexels.com

From Life Coach to Volleyball Coach: Sharing My New Project

Daniela Kinsella
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Hi everyone, it feels amazing to reconnect with you all!
Life has been an incredible ride—becoming a life coach, finding a home we love, and recently stepping into the role of a volleyball coach have been some of the highlights I can’t wait to write more about in the near future.

But today, I’m excited to shine a light on something very close to my heart: my new project, Volleyball Journey – History, Positions, and Home Drills. This collection of five books is designed specifically for beginner teens to help them deepen their understanding of the game, build their skills, and grow their passion—even off the court.

Empowering Young Athletes
As the coach for a beginner’s group of teens, I’ve seen their eagerness to learn and their potential waiting to be unlocked. To help them continue growing outside of practice, I created this project as a way to inspire and empower them. It’s tailored to their needs, blending education with fun and engagement.

What Makes Volleyball Journey Special
The series covers everything from the rich history of volleyball to understanding different positions and roles on the court, all the way to practical drills that can be practiced at home. My hope is that it not only strengthens their skills but also fosters a deeper connection to the sport and helps them discover their potential.

Where to Find Volleyball Journey
For anyone interested in exploring this series, Volleyball Journey – History, Positions, and Home Drills is now available on Amazon. Whether you’re a budding volleyball player or just curious about the game, this series offers something for everyone.
Click here to check it out on Amazon!

Check out these Titles on Amazon!

  • Improve your Skills
  • Grow as a player
  • Hit hard
  • Agility is the key
  • Block like a pro.

A Gift for Growth
Creating this series has been a labor of love, and I hope it brings value to these young athletes and anyone who picks it up. Thank you for letting me share this special part of my journey with you. I’m thrilled to be back, and I can’t wait to keep connecting and sharing more in the weeks ahead.