Púchov, Slovakia, April 11, 2018. After three competition days, Belgium have two
victories and one loss. The head coach of this team is the 35-year-old Mieke Moyaert.
She is the only female coach across all 12 teams competing at the 2018 CEV U18
Volleyball European Championship - Men in Zlín and Púchov.
"Five years ago I started to work in a
volleyball school in Belgium, where our future stars are growing. From the
beginning I have been working with boys. For you it may seem strange, because
there are not a lot of female coaches in youth men's teams, but for me it seems
natural. For someone it is maybe difficult to understand the teenagers, because
it is a difficult age, but I really like working with young players," said
Moyaert after the practice during the rest day in Púchov.
Mieke is not only a volleyball coach, but also
mother to two wonderful kids - a three-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. "I have
a perfect husband, he is a teacher, so he has some free days and can
help me with the kids very much. When we play tournaments, usually he and the
children come to support me," added the former player.
The Young Red Dragons have great support from their fans
here in Púchov. "Our fans travel with us very often. There are parents of
the players, sisters, brothers and of course, my own family. We are very thankful
for their support and it helps us very much," explained Mieke.
Belgium is on the good way to qualify for the final
weekend in Zlín. They beat France and Ukraine, lost against Italy and are still
waiting for the matches with Slovakia and Russia. "Of course, we want to
win every game, but our last match against Italy... It was not our day, we made
a lot of mistakes, but sometimes days like this come. Our goal is still the same
- qualify to Zlín, qualify to the FIVB Volleyball U19 Boys' World Championship and
the 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival and try to get a medal from this
championship."
Belgium with Moyaert in charge, will try to
seize their third victory on Wednesday, as they will face Slovakia, the hosts of
Pool II at 17:30 CET.
Click here for further information on the 2018 #EuroVolleyU18M.