After an intense preparation period, the moment has arrived: Belgium’s U19 girls’ team kicks off the World Championship in Serbia.
With a tight-knit squad, new game systems and ambitious goals, Belgium is ready to shine on the world stage again. We spoke extensively with coach Yorick Vande Velde about the selection, preparation, team spirit, and his personal drive.

A balanced selection with room for talent and experience

“Our roster includes twelve players, a bit less than the standard fourteen, but absolutely a group we believe in. Liese Verhelst and Tea Radovic aren’t with us this time, because they rightly got their chance at the highest level with the Yellow Tigers. Their absence opens doors for new talent. We’re deliberately giving two girls born in 2009 a chance: Ella Joosen and Ayiana Hall. Young, but ready for this level.”
The team is a solid mix of familiar faces and fresh strength. Most players come from the Topsportschool in Vilvoorde, with a few external players who earned selection through strong performances elsewhere.
“Mila Vlahovic, Janne Deleu and Léa Josevski weren’t at the sports school this year, but reintegrated smoothly. That shows their maturity. We’ve been working with this group for two years now, and the integration has gone well.”
The staff is also well in sync. New faces like Simon Hermans (Noorderkempen) and Geoffrey Mauroy (Tchalou) have also settled in well. “The chemistry between staff and players is crucial. And it’s there—you can feel it.”

A long preparation with meaningful learning moments

The road to the World Championship was a marathon, not a sprint.
“Our first World Championship-focused training camp took place already during autumn break, as part of the BOIC camp. We laid the mental and physical foundation there. Then, in the Easter break, we had a very valuable period when Spain came over.”
Against the physically strong Spanish team, Belgium tested their block-defense system. Later in the spring, they played against Poland—a team with similar strengths.
“The camp in Germany was tough but useful. Heat, a strong opponent, new conditions: all factors you need to be prepared for. It was 35 degrees there, just like it is now in Serbia. In the final stretch, we played practice matches against the Yellow Tigers and the shadow team. Strong sparring partners who truly helped us.”

New systems, clear principles

Tactically, a lot of investment was made during the preparation.
“We started with a new game system. That meant players had to take on new roles. It was necessary, and by now, everyone’s in sync.”
“One of our key principles is to improve ball control so that we can play as many balls as possible into the plus zone. That increases our attacking options. Since we’re not always among the tallest teams, precision and stability are crucial. We also focus heavily on the pipe attack, where we have standout qualities. We use it deliberately to create variation and unpredictability. A third focal point is our block-defense system. The international game has become faster and more physical, so we’ve adapted in positioning and game reading.”
The group has handled those changes well. “Especially in the past few weeks, you can see that we’re able to adapt quickly, even with injuries or tactical switches.”

A united group with mature communication

What’s striking about this team is their bond.
“They’re there for each other, support each other, laugh together, and dare to correct each other—always respectfully and maturely. That’s rare for youth teams.”
Vande Velde calls the team “kind to each other” but also “clear in communication.”
“They push each other without resentment. And as a coach, that’s a big win. That team spirit is one reason we did so well at last year’s European Championship. They improved every day because they understood each other so well.”

Versatility as a strength

Another standout aspect of this team is its flexibility.
“Everyone can play multiple positions, both in attack and defense. We trained that deliberately, and now we’re applying it. That’s a luxury in a tournament.”
Serving pressure is another weapon, as is speeding up the setting tempo. “We always want to take the initiative.”

Mentally ready for the challenge

How do you prepare young players for a World Championship?
“By being realistic. We discuss the tournament, the group stage, the opponents. We pinpoint which matches we need to win: Chile and Tunisia. And which ones will be tough: Japan, Italy and China.”
But nothing is impossible, says Vande Velde. “Last year at the Euros we lost 3-0 to Italy, but each set was close. One key ball can make the difference.”
“We’re aiming to beat a top country. It’s ambitious, but realistic. And if not in the group stage, then maybe in the knockout rounds.”
Besides team talks, the coach also has one-on-one conversations with every player. “About strengths, work points, how they feel. So everyone feels seen, heard and valued. That brings mental strength.”

An experience for life

The sporting result matters—but a World Championship is much more than that.
“They’ll encounter new volleyball cultures: Asia, South America, maybe even the USA. That broadens their view—even at this young age.”
Vande Velde hopes they can enjoy every moment, without regret.
“Last year they fought hard to qualify for this. And now it’s here. No summer off—this is their World Championship. I tell them: showtime. Let the world see you.”

And for the coach personally?

“A lot. I’ve been coaching some of these girls for six years. You almost help raise them. You want them to get the best out of themselves—and when they do, that touches me deeply. It gives me so much energy.”
For Vande Velde, this is the culmination of years of work.
“The last Belgian U19 team at a World Championship was the generation of Britt Herbots. The fact that we’re here again, years later, makes me proud.”

Nine matches in twelve days to go

“It’s going to be incredibly tough—physically and mentally. But I know they can do it. I see their strength, unity and dedication. And that gives me confidence.”
Belgium starts the tournament against Japan. Not much is known about that team yet, but Vande Velde emphasizes one thing:
“Focus on our own strengths.”
The mission is clear. This is no holiday. This is the World Championship.
It’s showtime!

Selection Belgium:

Vanassche Auke
Josevski Léa
Vlahovic Mila
Hall Ayiana
Joosen Ella
Deleu Janne
Hoste Lune
Weyers Janne
Timmermans Iza
Maes Flore
Debout Jasmine
Peeters Kaat

Staff:

Vande Velde Yorick (Head coach)
Claes Tom (Assistent)
Mauroy Geoffrey (Assistent)
Hermans Simon (Statistician)
Point Joran (Physio)
D'Hondt Justine (Team manager)