HEAD coaches of the national men's and women's volleyball teams, Steve Davis and Gatasheu Bonner, left the island yesterday for a 17-day coaching development programme in Brazil.

They will stay in the South American country until October 2 as they equip themselves to nurture local talent.

Brazil's male and female teams have been one of the most accomplished in beach volleyball and their national federation will cover the cost of accommodation, meals, and ground transportation for the Jamaican coaches.

President of the Jamaica Volleyball Association (JaVA), Major Warrenton Dixon, initiated the programme after attending the FIVB World Congress in Italy in 2012.

"At the Congress I had discussions with Dr Ary Graca, president of Brazil Volleyball Federation, regarding the provision of developmental assistance to Jamaica and he was very amenable to the request," Dixon explained.

"After necessary follow-up planning and preparation we are now at the point of execution," he added.

Davis said Brazil had been the world's most successful volleyball and beach volleyball nation and that put them "in a position to be the authority on coaching both genres of the sport.

"I intend to soak up as much as I can, not only from a coaching perspective, but also administratively," Davis stated.

Bonner was equally enthusiastic about the opportunity, saying the knowledge garnered would enhance his skills and position him to contribute "to the positive direction in which volleyball and beach volleyball is headed in Jamaica".

The North, Central America and Caribbean (NORCECA) Volleyball Confederation provided the tickets for the trip. Major Dixon noted that further opportunities would exist for other coaches and administrators; however, funding for the airfare remains a limitation.