The Strong Volleyball Infrastructure of the Sultans of the Net Based in the Capital Ankara
The fact that a significant portion of the European Champion national team squad originates from Ankara demonstrates the city's infrastructural strength.
The fact that a significant portion of the players in the squad of the Sultans of the Net, who won the 2026 European Championship, grew up in Ankara highlights the capital's critical role in Turkish volleyball.
Players Born in Ankara
It is noteworthy that six players in the 14-player squad of the Sultans of the Net, who won the 2026 European Championship, were born in Ankara.
Names such as Elif Şahin, Saliha Şahin, İlkin Aydın, Yaprak Erkek, Gizem Örge, and Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın stand out as athletes originating from the capital.
First Stops of Infrastructure
A significant portion of these names not only were born in Ankara but also laid the foundations of their volleyball training in this city.
While Gizem Örge started at a young age in Batıkent Kültür and Ankara Eczacı sports clubs, İlkin Aydın's path crossed through İlbank and TVF Sports High School.
Rooted Institutional Clubs
State-affiliated rooted institutional teams such as Karayolları, İlbank, and PTT aim to spread sports to the grassroots rather than making million-dollar transfers.
These clubs act as extremely important stepping stones in preparing young players for high-level competition.
Federation Facilities and Investments
The Turkish Volleyball Federation's headquarters being located in Ankara provides a huge advantage to the capital in terms of volleyball.
Thanks to the facilities and halls in Beştepe, national team camps, player screenings, and coach trainings are carried out in this city.
TVF Sports High School Model
Talented youth discovered from different cities of Turkey continue education and volleyball within the same system thanks to TVF Sports High School.
This special school has become one of the most critical centers in the capital continuously preparing players for the national team pool.
Contribution of Other Cities
Clubs in Istanbul such as VakıfBank, Eczacıbaşı, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray also host world-class player pools.
While stars like Zehra Güneş and Hande Baladın grew up through these systems, cities like Izmir and Bursa also support the national team.