Volley Beyond Borders: Refugee Volleyball Programmes in Greece
- Anastasia Kinoshita Chrysidou
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
From a first court inside a refugee camp to shared spaces where everyone belongs Volley Beyond Borders did not begin with packed courts or polished programmes. It launched in 2021, with a first visit to a refugee camp in Greece and a simple belief: volleyball can create connection, dignity and belonging, even in the most challenging environments.
That belief has guided Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF) ever since.
Early volleyball sessions during LKTBF’s first project in Greece, 2021
Where it started
LKTBF’s journey began on the Greek island of Lesvos, working alongside Christian Refugee Relief to introduce volleyball in a refugee camp setting. Representing LKTBF were volunteers, Marloes Lugtenberg and Guus van den Elzen from the Netherlands scout team.
Guus van den Elzen (right), LKTBF volunteer with a local trained coach
Progress was slow. COVID restrictions, limited facilities and tough living conditions made consistency difficult. But during that stay, a vital connection was made with Yoga and Sport with Refugees (YSR) - an organisation rooted in building sport with refugee communities, not just for them. That meeting marked the beginning of a partnership that continues to shape LKTBF's Volley Beyond Borders today.
Growing through partnership
Since those early days, the collaboration between LKTBF and YSR has grown into a long-term programme focused on sustainability, coach education and community ownership.
Donated volleyball gear, balls and nets
Delivered coach education and training support
Organised official volleyball coaching courses for YSR's projects in Greece
Supported a local coach to attend a volleyball camp in a different location in Greece
Provided financial support to help cover court access and coach allowances.
Today, more than 3,000 people each year take part in YSR’s volleyball activities supported by LKTBF - a clear sign of how consistent support can unlock long-term impact.
Shared courts, shared communities
In recent years, YSR has expanded volleyball sessions beyond camp settings into shared community spaces. Sessions now bring together people from refugee backgrounds and local Greek communities, playing side by side.
Weekly volleyball sessions bringing communities together through sport
The start was modest. Trust takes time. But week by week, the courts filled. What emerged was not just volleyball sessions, but safe, inclusive spaces built around movement, teamwork and mutual respect.
These shared courts reflect the heart of Volley Beyond Borders - breaking down barriers through sport, without forcing narratives or labels.
Adapting while staying committed
In Ioannina, a northwestern city of Greece, YSR launched a sports project in partnership with a local community organisation. Over time, that partner took over delivery of the sports activities - a positive step towards local ownership.
Benjamin (left) a local trained coach and a participant of the YSR programme
LKTBF continues to support the volleyball programme in this area, ensuring continuity and long-term stability, with an on-the-ground visit planned to strengthen future collaboration.
This ability to adapt while staying committed is central to how LKTBF approaches sustainable sport development.
Five years in and still building
In June 2026, LKTBF will celebrate five years of partnership with YSR. What began as a small initiative has grown into a living programme shaped by trust, learning and shared responsibility.
Volley Beyond Borders in action: inclusive volleyball spaces built to last
Volley Beyond Borders continues to evolve, but its purpose remains the same: to use volleyball as a tool for inclusion, connection and opportunity - across borders.
Be part of the journey
With continued support, Volley Beyond Borders can keep growing and reaching more communities through volleyball.
Whether through partnership, volunteering or programme support, there are many ways to help keep the ball flying.
