Giving Back Through Volleyball: Stephen Maar & Jan Zimmermann Join LKTBF

Volleyball has the power to connect, inspire, and transform lives. For professional athletes Stephen Maar and Jan Zimmermann, the sport has given them friendships, opportunities, and a platform to make a difference.

Now, they’re using that platform to give back by joining Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF), a global movement dedicated to making volleyball accessible to all.

Why They Chose LKTBF

As national team players competing at the highest level, Maar and Zimmermann live and breathe volleyball. Yet, they both recognised that their careers often revolved around personal performance. LKTBF gave them the chance to shift their focus outward—towards young athletes who lack access to the sport they love.

“I was looking to make my life as a professional athlete less about myself,” Maar shared. “Volleyball has given me so much, and I want to help kids experience the same joy and connections I had growing up.”

Zimmermann echoed the sentiment: “I had everything I needed to play volleyball, facilities, coaches, opportunities. Now, I feel it’s time to give back to those who don’t have the same privileges.”

A Global Volleyball Mission

LKTBF runs a worldwide network, from the Philippines to Tanzania, providing equipment, training, and opportunities for underserved communities. Maar and Zimmermann have seen their fellow athletes take part in these projects and are eager to join in.

“I’ve heard only great stories from my friends who’ve been on LKTBF trips,” Maar said. “We’ve talked about it, and we’d love to go together when our international schedule allows.”

Zimmermann added, “I don’t want to support from a distance. I want to be there, see it, and make a direct impact.”

The Power of Volleyball to Unite

At its core, LKTBF believes that volleyball is more than a game. It’s a tool for social change, a way to bring people together, and a means to empower communities. With passionate ambassadors like Maar and Zimmermann on board, the movement continues to grow, proving that when athletes step beyond the court, they can create a lasting legacy.

Want to support the mission? Join the movement at www.lktbf.org/one