Building Confidence Beyond the Court: Inside QF's Creating Pathways Volleyball Program

Doha, Qatar Jul 12, 2026 ALN: As the world celebrates World Volleyball Day, Qatar Foundation's Creating Pathways program is using volleyball to help empower the next generation of girls in Qatar, building confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills both on and off the court. This initiative is part of a broader movement to increase female participation in sports, which has been gaining traction globally, particularly in regions where traditional gender roles may limit opportunities for women and girls.

Volleyball is one of five sports offered through Qatar Foundation's (QF) Creating Pathways program, an initiative that empowers women and girls through sport. The program has been designed not only to teach the technical aspects of the game but also to foster personal growth and community among participants. This holistic approach is increasingly recognized as essential in youth sports, where the benefits extend beyond physical fitness to include social and emotional development.

Currently, 36 girls are part of the volleyball program, with 19 players in the U12 squad and 17 in the U14 group, building their skills, confidence, and love for the game. This structure allows for age-appropriate training and competition, ensuring that young athletes receive the attention and development they need at their respective stages of growth.

Alongside track and field, fencing, tennis, and basketball, the Creating Pathways program aims to encourage physical activity and well-being while helping participants build confidence and develop new skills. Each sport is selected not only for its popularity but also for its potential to teach valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of setting and achieving goals.

Created to increase participation in sport and provide pathways for girls to grow both personally and athletically, the initiative reflects the growing role of sport as a platform for empowerment, connection, and personal growth. Sports programs like Creating Pathways are crucial in changing perceptions about women's roles in athletics and society, promoting the idea that girls can excel in sports typically dominated by males.

For 12-year-old participant Misk Arafath Majeed, who joined the volleyball program just over a month ago, the experience has already had a meaningful impact. She said, “It has made me more confident and more active. It's my safe space because I can be myself here.” This sentiment highlights the importance of creating an inclusive environment where young girls feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their interests.

Training three times a week, Majeed says she enjoys learning new techniques, including spiking, and looks forward to the matches played at the end of each session. She explains, “My favorite thing is that it keeps me active. My coaches are really nice, and the girls are really encouraging. I've made lots of friends on the team.” The social aspect of sports is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in enhancing the overall experience for young athletes, fostering friendships that can last a lifetime.

Taking part in QF’s World Volleyball Day tournament this week made the experience even more meaningful. “It brings everyone together from all over the world. It doesn't matter where you're from – you can still enjoy playing volleyball. Looking ahead, Majeed hopes to continue developing her game and one day play for one of Qatar's top volleyball teams. "I want to make it big." This ambition reflects a growing trend among young athletes who are increasingly aspiring to compete at higher levels, inspired by local and international role models.

Another young athlete, 11-year-old participant Aisha Faesal N M Al-Sultan, says joining the initiative has helped her build on the skills she first developed at school. “I joined the Creating Pathways program after playing on my school's volleyball team,” she said. “I took part in the training sessions, and later a number of students were selected to continue in the program, and I was one of them. Having played volleyball for two years, she says the sport continues to challenge and inspire her. “I love volleyball because it keeps me active and helps me learn new skills.”

She says the friendships and team spirit have also become some of the most rewarding aspects of the program. “What I love most about the volleyball team in the Creating Pathways program is the teamwork and the positive atmosphere among the players,” she said. "I feel happy when we train together and support one another to achieve our goals.” This emphasis on teamwork not only enhances performance on the court but also builds important social skills that are beneficial in all areas of life.

According to Tijana Avramović, head coach of the Creating Pathways volleyball program, the initiative is helping girls grow both as athletes and as individuals. She shares, “Sport is really important for girls – and for everyone. Through sport, you learn valuable life skills that stay with you long after the game. You develop discipline, empathy, teamwork, and many other qualities that help you in everyday life. Through this program, we're not only helping the girls become better players – we're also helping them grow as people.” This perspective aligns with a growing body of research that supports the idea that participation in sports can lead to improved self-esteem and social skills among young girls.

While identifying talented players is one of the program's objectives, Avramović says one of the biggest successes has been watching the girls become more comfortable and confident with one another. She adds, “During the first few training sessions, they were quite nervous, but now they're building friendships and enjoying being part of the group. That's such an important part of their lives, especially today, when so much time is spent on phones and online. Here, they're connecting with each other in person and becoming part of a team.” This shift from individualism to community is particularly significant in a world where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face connections.

She explains that celebrating World Volleyball Day gave participants the opportunity to feel connected to something much larger than their own training sessions. “The tournament helps the players feel like they're part of something bigger. They're celebrating World Volleyball Day alongside people all over the world, which creates a real sense of belonging and connection to the global volleyball community.” This global perspective can enhance the experience for young athletes, as they realize they are part of a larger movement that values and promotes sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Now Avramović hopes the program will continue to inspire more girls to take up the sport. “We want to build a strong community where young players develop a habit of training regularly, improve their volleyball skills, and grow as confident, well-rounded people.” The long-term vision of the program is to create a sustainable model that encourages ongoing participation and development, ensuring that future generations of girls have access to the same opportunities.

In summary, the Creating Pathways volleyball program not only serves as a platform for athletic development but also plays a crucial role in fostering personal growth, community building, and empowerment among young girls in Qatar. As initiatives like these continue to expand, they pave the way for a more inclusive sporting culture, where girls can thrive both on and off the court. The implications of such programs extend beyond sports, contributing to a broader societal shift towards gender equality and the recognition of women's contributions in all areas of life.