The women’s volleyball national squad is currently in San Marino for a training camp which is being conducted at the same venue where competition will be played at this year’s Games of the Small States of Europe.

The indoor squad has been training regularly under the direction of national coach Edvaldo Carvalho da Silva while the beachvolley teams have also commenced their preparations.

During the training camp, the girls are set to play friendly matches against their counterparts from San Marino and club side Gabicce.

Last week, the national squad also figured in a preparation match against Austrian side Bruckl Hotvolleys at the Cottonera Sports Complex. Da Silva’s girls won 3-1.

The national team will be making a return to the Games after a lapse of five years as the Malta Volleyball Association continues with its MVA’s Youth Talent Development Programme initiative.

Association head Jesmond Saliba said that the aim of the programme was to identify the best youth talent, and, in collaboration with their respective clubs, assist in their development.

“These young players will form the basis for a pool of players from which the various youth national selections will be chosen in the future,” he said.