VakifBank
In 2013, they have won everything they’ve entered – without losing a match.
VakifBank’s triumphs not only include the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship bit also the CEV European Champions League, the Turkish League, the Turkish Cup and the Turkish Super Cup. On any level and in any sport this is a remarkable achievement and it has not gone unnoticed, but VakifBank’s achievements have been built on a 27-year volleyball tradition.
VakifBank’s recent successes started off with the 2012-2013 Acibadem Women’s League which involved the team playing 22 games. They also had to play 12 games in the European Champions League and six Teledünya Turkish Cup games – plus seven matches in the playoff series. VakifBank also won the FIVB World Club Championship and remained undefeated in 52 matches.
VakifBank’s worldwide success has attracted public and press attention both in Turkey and around the world. And it has been grabbing headlines in a country where football is regarded as the No. 1 sport. But this has now changed as volleyball has started to find its place in the media. Put simply, VakifBank’s success has enabled the country’s perception in sport to change. More people are becoming interested in the sport and paying more attention to volleyball. Young women and girls in Turkey are now lining up to become future volleyball players as they admire the team, and the players serve as good role models.
VakifBank has not only contributed in creating a positive perception at the club level, but also helped change this perception at the national team level, with VakifBank supporting and sponsoring the main national Turkish team, as well as the Under-23, Under-21 and Youth teams. Under VakifBank’s sponsorship, the Turkey Youth Team became World and European Champions and the Under-21 National Team became European Champions. The senior women’s team placed third in the European Championship in 2011 and in the 2012 FIVB World Grand Prix. They also participated in the Olympics for the first time, in London 2012.
VakifBank is one of the few clubs that support younger teams – especially through VakifBank’s volleyball school in Istanbul – and is a big reason why the club provides so many players to the national team. Overall, 160 talented female volleyball players have been guided and instructed at VakifBank’s sports school.
VakifBank is now seen as the “Barcelona” of volleyball. This has been achieved by creating a team spirit over 27 years of support to volleyball – support that will continue as VakifBank aims to maintain it new-found dominance in the sport.
To read more about this competition click on Turkey National Championship 2013/2014 coverage page.
Also, for more articles from this competition click on Turkey.
Check out WoV Community profile of VakifBank ISTANBUL.
