- “The program offers lower secondary school–aged young athletes who train with ambition the opportunity to practice beach volleyball under professional coaching, while also continuing to play indoor volleyball,” says Jyrki Nurminen.

Nurminen, who has been a leading figure in Finnish men’s beach volleyball for several years and has also been actively involved in organizing tours, has long dreamed of bringing together goal‑oriented junior training groups. When inquiries about such a program began to come in, the idea quickly moved toward implementation.

The lower secondary school program is a year‑round coaching concept aimed at developing young athletes in a holistic and sustainable way. The core principle is to optimize the everyday life of a young athlete so that goal‑oriented beach volleyball training, indoor volleyball training, and the development of physical and mental performance are combined in a way that still leaves enough energy for schoolwork.

• “The coaching program provides motivated young athletes with a platform where it is safe to grow and develop, and to later pursue success at the elite level. The program creates a pathway through youth national team activities toward the opportunity to apply for upper secondary school academy programs,” Nurminen explains.

Athletes in the program have varying amounts of beach volleyball and indoor volleyball training, complemented by endurance and strength training. Individual needs are taken into account when designing training programs.

• “It is important to note that we have not sought any public funding for building this program. The model has been created so that parents’ participation costs remain at the same level, with the remaining funding secured through partners. Our partners have seen real value in supporting the ambitious and sustainable development of young athletes. Without their support, this program would not have been possible,” Nurminen states.

JN Beach Talents training groups span five age categories. In the summer of 2025, 23 athletes qualified for the Finnish Championship finals in their respective age groups, achieving the following top results:

Boys:

• U14 & U16 Finnish Championship gold

• U16 Finnish Championship silver

• U14 & U16 Finnish Championship bronze

Girls:

• U16 Finnish Championship gold

• U14, U16 & U18 Finnish Championship bronze

Follow the JN Beach Talents players’ beach volleyball matches across Finland on Instagram: @jnbeachtalents

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Partners for the 2026 Season: Sarasco Oy, Omaremix Oy, Markku Juselius Oy ja Hiekka Beach

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JN Beach Talents team2022

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​​​​Partners in the past Pihlajalinna, Harvia, Kirami, Fast, Celsius, Hiekka Beach Volley Club, Biitsi.fi ja Biitsi Vantaa.

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