VakıfBank Sports Club has been one of the leading institutions in the institutionalization of Turkish women’s volleyball and the process of increasing its level of international competitiveness. The club attained its current organizational structure in 2000 through the merger of two clubs: Güneş Sigorta Sports Club, founded in 1986 in Istanbul, and VakıfBank Sports Club, founded in 1988 in Ankara. The management approach adopted after the merger, the emphasis placed on youth development, and the athlete training strategies focused on international competitiveness have transformed the club into one of the most successful women’s volleyball clubs not only in Türkiye but also in the world.
VakıfBank Sports Club has attracted attention with its achievements at both national and international levels. The club has won a total of 13 Turkish League Championships and 9 Turkish Cup Championships in national leagues, while also achieving significant success on the international stage with 6 CEV Champions League titles and 4 FIVB Club World Championships. These accomplishments have made VakıfBank stand out not only through its athletic successes but also through its investments in youth development and its understanding of sustainable success. Furthermore, in 2013, the club made volleyball history by becoming “the only team to win all the trophies a volleyball team can win in a single season without defeat.”
Adopting the role of sport in the field of social responsibility, VakıfBank Sports Club has implemented various projects aimed at different segments of society. The “Volleyball for Everyone” project targeting visually impaired individuals and the awareness campaigns carried out in collaboration with the Hope Foundation for Children with Cancer (KAÇUV) are among the concrete examples of the club’s approach to viewing sport as a tool for generating social benefit. This approach enables VakıfBank to be recognized as an effective and inclusive sports club not only on the court but also beyond it.
The Foundation and History of VakıfBank Sports Club
VakıfBank Sports Club, which has played a critical role in the professionalization process of women’s volleyball in Türkiye, traces its roots back to two separate sports clubs. The first of these was Güneş Sigorta Sports Club, established in Istanbul in 1986; the other was VakıfBank Sports Club, founded in Ankara in 1988. Both clubs contributed significantly to the development of Turkish women’s volleyball and attracted attention with their achievements in national leagues.
The Ankara-based VakıfBank Sports Club quickly became a competitive team in the Turkish Women’s Volleyball First League following its establishment in 1988. In 1992, the club won its first national title by becoming the champion of the Turkish League. This championship marked the beginning of a period in which VakıfBank began ascending to the top ranks of women’s volleyball. One year later, in 1993, Güneş Sigorta Sports Club also won the Turkish League championship, and both clubs emerged as major actors in women’s volleyball.
In the mid-1990s, VakıfBank increased its achievements by winning the Turkish Cup in 1995. In both 1997 and 1998, the club secured the Turkish League and Turkish Cup championships, celebrating consecutive “double titles” two years in a row. These accomplishments laid the groundwork for VakıfBank’s recognition not only on the national stage but also internationally. In 1998, VakıfBank Sports Club achieved second place in the CEV Champions Cup, marking the first international success in Turkish women’s volleyball history. The club repeated this success in 1999, becoming the first Turkish women’s volleyball club to reach the European final two years in a row.
The year 2000 was a critical turning point in VakıfBank Sports Club’s history. That year, Istanbul-based Güneş Sigorta Sports Club and Ankara-based VakıfBank Sports Club merged, continuing their activities under the name “VakıfBank Güneş Sigorta.” After the merger, the Istanbul-based club competed in the Turkish Women’s Volleyball First League, while the Ankara-based club withdrew from the top league and continued its presence in the lower divisions. This merger is considered to have enhanced VakıfBank’s organizational structure by combining the resources and athlete development systems of the two clubs. Following the merger, VakıfBank Güneş Sigorta won its first international trophy in 2004 by claiming the CEV Top Teams Cup. In the same year, the team also won the Turkish League championship, maintaining a consistent trajectory of success. In 2008, the club secured its second major European title by winning the CEV Challenge Cup.
Before the 2009–2010 season, the club signed a sponsorship agreement with Türk Telekom, leading to a name change: the club became VakıfBank Güneş Sigorta, while the team competed as VakıfBank Güneş Sigorta Türk Telekom. During this period, national and international successes continued. Prior to the 2011–2012 season, following the conclusion of the Güneş Sigorta sponsorship, the club’s name was revised to VakıfBank Sports Club. In the same season, the team became the CEV Champions League Champion and reached the final of the FIVB Club World Championship. At the end of the 2012–2013 season, the sponsorship agreement with Türk Telekom ended, and the team began competing solely under the name “VakıfBank.”
In 2012, the Ankara-based VakıfBank Sports Club ceased its activities and merged with Karşıyaka Sports Club, continuing under the name Ankara Karşıyaka Sports Club. Following this development, VakıfBank Sports Club conducted all its activities from its Istanbul base.
The 2013 season, one of the key milestones in the club’s history, marked one of VakıfBank’s peaks. That season, the team won the Turkish League Championship, Turkish Cup, Turkish Super Cup, CEV Champions League, and the FIVB Club World Championship. These achievements elevated the club’s national leadership to a global platform and positioned VakıfBank as one of the most successful women’s volleyball clubs in the world. The history of the club has not only been shaped by sporting achievements but also by significant developments in organizational structuring, investment in youth development, and social responsibility projects. Since its establishment, VakıfBank Sports Club has been one of the institutions contributing to the development of women’s volleyball in Türkiye.
Management and Organizational Structure
VakıfBank Sports Club stands out with its organizational structure, which is based on the principles of corporate governance. The club's governing bodies adopt a long-term and sustainability-focused approach in their decision-making processes. The management has developed policies that consider athletic performance, corporate responsibility, and social impact across all levels, from youth development programs to the senior team.
Within the club’s governance, the President and members of the Board of Directors fulfill their authority and responsibilities within a defined division of labor and coordination framework. The Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and other members. Decision-making processes are carried out with an inclusive approach that takes all stakeholders into consideration, with particular emphasis on the development of young athletes, the support of women’s sports, and the sustainability of international success.
Structure and Distribution of Duties within the Board of Directors
As of 2023, the Board of Directors of VakıfBank Sports Club consists of the following members:
- President: Abdi Serdar Üstünsalih
- Vice President: Ferkan Merdan
- Treasurer: Mikail Hıdır
- Members: Alaattin Şimşek, Arif Çokçetin, Dr. Alp Tolga Şimşek, Uğur Aytış
The President is the individual responsible for determining the club's overall policies and strategies and holds ultimate accountability for the administrative and financial operations of the organization. The Vice President supports the President and primarily leads off-the-court activities and social responsibility projects.
Management Approaches and Corporate Strategies
The management philosophy of VakıfBank Sports Club is based on long-term planning and a sustainable development approach. The club’s administration acts in line with strategic plans aimed at balancing athletic success, youth development, and social contribution. Effective control mechanisms and participatory approaches have been integrated into decision-making processes. From a corporate strategy perspective, VakıfBank Sports Club adopts a vision that prioritizes not only athletic success but also the educational and social dimensions of sports. Key areas highlighted in strategic planning include empowering women’s sports, preparing athletes for their post-career lives, and making sports accessible to diverse segments of society.
Sponsorship and Financial Structure
The financial structure of VakıfBank Sports Club is predominantly supported by its primary sponsor, VakıfBank. The club's budget is diversified through sponsorship revenues, federation contributions, broadcasting rights, and income generated from sports schools. In previous years, sponsorship agreements with institutions such as Güneş Sigorta and Türk Telekom have significantly contributed to the club’s growth and professionalization processes. Financial resources are mainly allocated to youth development investments and enhancing the senior team’s international competitiveness.
The Contribution of the Management Staff to the Social Responsibility of Sports
The strategic vision of the Board of Directors regards sports not only as a performance-based activity but also as a field that contributes to social development. In line with this perspective, the management develops and implements projects aimed at making sports an inclusive social tool. Notable examples include the "Volleyball for Everyone" project targeting visually impaired individuals and activities conducted in cooperation with the Hope Foundation for Children with Cancer (KAÇUV), reflecting the club management’s social responsibility perspective.
Female members of the board contribute to the governance of the club based on gender equality principles and lead initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s roles in sports management. These policies position VakıfBank Sports Club as one of the leading institutions supporting women’s sports in Türkiye.
Vakıfbank Women Volleyball Team
VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team
The women’s volleyball team of VakıfBank Sports Club has played a significant role in the professionalization process of Turkish women’s volleyball and in gaining international recognition at the highest levels. The club has strategically planned its investments in women’s volleyball and has developed policies focused on long-term success. Within this framework, both the development of players through its youth academy and the enhancement of competitive strength at the senior team level have been among the club’s primary objectives.
Early International Success and Development Process
In 1998, the VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team achieved second place in the CEV Champions Cup, marking the first significant success for Turkish women’s volleyball in Europe. The team repeated this achievement in 1999 by once again reaching the final of the same tournament, advancing its position as a consistent international contender. In 2000, following the merger with Güneş Sigorta Sports Club, the team continued its activities under the name VakıfBank Güneş Sigorta and secured third place in the CEV Cup the same year, initiating a period of regular success in European competitions.
In 2004, VakıfBank won its first international trophy by claiming the CEV Top Teams Cup, and in 2008, the team added the CEV Challenge Cup to its achievements. These successes strengthened the team’s competitive presence on the international stage and established VakıfBank as one of the prominent representatives of European women’s volleyball.
Transformation and Achievements After 2010
Prior to the 2009–2010 season, the team adopted the name VakıfBank Güneş Sigorta Türk Telekom as part of a sponsorship agreement with Türk Telekom. However, with the termination of the Güneş Sigorta sponsorship before the 2011–2012 season and subsequent corporate restructuring, the club’s name was changed to VakıfBank Sports Club, and the team competed as VakıfBank Türk Telekom.
In the 2012–2013 season, the sponsorship agreement with Türk Telekom ended, and the team continued its journey solely under the name VakıfBank. In 2011, the VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team won the CEV Champions League and reached the final of the FIVB Club World Championship the same year, maintaining its consistent performance on the international stage. In 2013, the team won the Turkish League, Turkish Cup, Turkish Super Cup, CEV Champions League, and FIVB Club World Championship in a single season.
Vakıfbank Women Volleyball Team - Derya Cebecioğlu
Guinness World Records and Consistency Policies
The VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team entered the Guinness World Records as the "volleyball team with the most consecutive official match wins" by winning 73 consecutive official matches between October 23, 2012, and January 22, 2014. This record is regarded as an indicator of the club’s sustainable athletic success and its commitment to professional sports management principles. As of 2023, VakıfBank won its sixth CEV Champions League title, once again entering the Guinness World Records as the "club with the most CEV Champions League titles." In addition, the club has achieved numerous national and international successes, including 4 FIVB Club World Championships, 13 Turkish League Championships, 9 Turkish Cup titles, and 5 Turkish Super Cup titles.
National and International Achievements
The VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team has demonstrated consistent performance at the national level through its championship victories in the Turkish Women’s Volleyball League. Following its first league title in 1992, the club has won a total of 13 Turkish League Championships. These titles were secured in the 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 seasons. VakıfBank has also established a remarkable track record in the Turkish Cup. After winning its first Turkish Cup in 1995, the club has claimed a total of 9 Turkish Cup titles, achieved in the 1995, 1997, 1998, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons.
Furthermore, VakıfBank has won the Turkish Super Cup 5 times, in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2021, and 2023. The foundation of these national achievements lies in the club’s youth development programs for young athletes, its experienced coaching staff, and the effectiveness of its professional player development processes. With its successes in national leagues, VakıfBank sets an important example in Turkish volleyball.
Achievements in European Competitions
The VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team has made significant contributions to the representation of Turkish women’s volleyball in Europe through its achievements in competitions organized by the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV). The club has been crowned CEV Champions League Champion 6 times, in 2011, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023. Notably, four of these championships were won with undefeated campaigns, demonstrating the team’s exemplary sustainability and consistency in European competition.
With its sixth CEV Champions League title in 2023, VakıfBank earned the title of "the club with the most CEV Champions League titles" and was listed in the Guinness World Records.
The team has also finished as runner-up three times (2014, 2016, and 2021) and placed third twice (2015 and 2019) in the CEV Champions League.
VakifBank has continued its success in other European competitions as well. The club won the CEV Top Teams Cup in 2004 and the CEV Challenge Cup in 2008, further elevating its profile on the international stage. Its second-place finishes in the CEV Champions Cup in 1998 and 1999 were among the first indicators of its competitive identity in Europe. Additionally, the club’s third-place finish in the CEV Cup in 2000 reinforced its stability and consistent success in European tournaments.
Achievements in the FIVB Club World Championship
The VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team has also achieved remarkable success in the FIVB Club World Championship, one of the most prestigious tournaments in global volleyball. The club was crowned champion 4 times, in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2021. In addition to these championships, VakıfBank finished as runner-up in 2011, 2022, and 2023, and claimed third place in 2006, 2016, and 2019.
These achievements in the FIVB Club World Championship demonstrate VakıfBank’s position not only at the top of European volleyball but also as a leading club in world volleyball, confirming its global competitive identity.
In 2020, VakıfBank was recognized in the Guinness World Records as the "team with the most FIVB Club World Championship titles."
Guinness World Records
The VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team has entered the Guinness World Records twice for its outstanding international achievements at the club level. The first record was set between October 23, 2012, and January 22, 2014, when the team won 73 consecutive official matches, earning the title of "volleyball team with the most consecutive official match wins." The second record was established in 2023 when VakıfBank won its sixth CEV Champions League title, becoming the "club with the most CEV Champions League titles" and securing its place once again in the Guinness World Records. These records are considered concrete indicators of VakıfBank Sports Club’s long-term planning and professional management approach aimed at sustaining athletic success.
Youth Development and Player Training System
VakıfBank Sports Club has identified youth development investments as a strategic priority in order to ensure sustainable success in women’s volleyball. The club’s planning and implementation of youth development initiatives aim not only for short-term athletic achievements but also for long-term player development and the overall enhancement of Turkish volleyball. In this context, VakıfBank Volleyball Schools conduct systematic training programs across a wide geographical area, supporting the physical, technical, and psychological development processes of prospective athletes through a holistic approach.
Purpose and Operation of VakıfBank Volleyball Schools
VakıfBank Volleyball Schools are designed as institutions that aim to contribute to the physical and social development of children. The ultimate goal of these programs is to introduce talented athletes to Turkish volleyball and to develop players for the club’s youth teams. The Volleyball Schools commence their activities during the first weekend of September each year and offer a training period that continues until the end of June.
Throughout this process, prospective athletes are grouped according to designated age categories, with a focus on fundamental volleyball training, physical conditioning, and the development of teamwork skills. The training programs are conducted over weekends in 2.5-hour sessions, resulting in a comprehensive program totaling 120 hours of instruction per season.
Training Programs and Coaching Methodologies
The training programs implemented at VakıfBank Volleyball Schools adhere to international standards and are conducted by expert and experienced coaches. The coaching methodologies focus not only on teaching fundamental volleyball skills but also on enhancing the players’ understanding of the game and decision-making processes.
The program consists of components aimed at improving physical fitness, flexibility, coordination, and the acquisition of basic technical and tactical knowledge. Additionally, approaches based on teamwork, leadership, and discipline are adopted to support athletes’ psycho-social development. Continuity and discipline are considered essential elements in the player development process throughout the training period.
Athlete Selection and Development Criteria
Athlete candidates accepted to VakıfBank Volleyball Schools are evaluated according to pre-determined criteria and are subjected to regular performance monitoring. Players who demonstrate consistent attendance and are assessed by coaches as having achieved the required technical and tactical competence receive a certificate of participation at the end of the season.
Athletes who excel during this process are incorporated into VakıfBank’s youth teams and are offered opportunities to become part of more advanced competitive squads. The selection process evaluates not only physical competence but also the mental and social adaptability of prospective athletes. Selected athletes are integrated into long-term development plans and included in individualized training programs aligned with their potential.
Transition Process from Youth Teams to the Senior Team
Players who achieve proficiency within the youth teams undergo a comprehensive evaluation process to transition to VakıfBank’s Senior Team. This process consists of various stages, including performance tests, conditioning analyses, and assessments of psychological resilience. Athletes reaching the senior team level are expected to possess the physical and mental competencies required to perform competitively on both national and international platforms. During the transition process, athletes follow a sports program that aligns with their academic education, supported by educational scholarships and career planning assistance provided by the club. VakıfBank manages the transition from the youth system to the Senior Team within a systematic structure, facilitating players’ adaptation to the club’s culture and ensuring continuity in performance.
National and International Expansion of Volleyball Schools
VakıfBank Volleyball Schools operate in four different cities across Türkiye and have expanded internationally. In Türkiye, volleyball training is offered at locations in Istanbul (Bağlarbaşı – VakıfBank Sports Palace, Beylikdüzü, and Kartal), Ankara (Batıkent and Yaşamkent), İzmir (Konak and Mavişehir), and Bursa (Nilüfer and Özlüce).
Internationally, VakıfBank Sports School operates in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, making VakıfBank the first Turkish sports club to open a volleyball school in Europe. Over the past five years, more than 5,000 girls have been introduced to volleyball through these centers and have participated in fundamental training programs. Throughout the season, athletes are adapted to competitive environments through tournaments and events, while their sense of team spirit and responsibility is cultivated.
Vakıfbank Women Volleyball Team
Social Responsibility Projects and Community Contributions
Sports clubs should be evaluated not only by their on-field achievements but also by the social responsibility initiatives they undertake. VakıfBank Sports Club has embraced this perspective by implementing various projects aimed at enhancing the social impact of sports and reaching different segments of society. The club’s social responsibility activities are structured around key themes such as accessibility, raising social awareness, inclusivity, and support for children’s rights.
“Volleyball for Everyone” Project and Initiatives for the Visually Impaired
VakıfBank Sports Club organized an event designed to introduce visually impaired individuals to volleyball, aiming to make sports more inclusive and accessible. On November 6, in collaboration with BlindLook Türkiye, the club hosted 10 visually impaired sports enthusiasts at the VakıfBank Sports Palace. During the event, participants were given a tour of the VakıfBank Museum, allowed to touch the trophies and medals, and experienced volleyball first-hand by feeling the court, net, and volleyball in the main hall.
Following the event, VakıfBank Women’s Volleyball Team’s CEV Champions League match against Calcit Kamnik was delivered to visually impaired guests through descriptive narration. Participants also had the opportunity to meet and interact with the team’s head coach Giovanni Guidetti, general manager Banu Can Schürmann, and team captain Zehra Güneş.
According to statements made by club management, the “Volleyball for Everyone” initiative aims to increase the inclusivity of sports and to implement sustainable projects focusing on accessibility. The club emphasizes that such activities will continue, underlining the belief that sports should be an experience accessible to all segments of society.
Collaboration with the Hope Foundation for Children with Cancer (KAÇUV): Raising Awareness of Childhood Cancer
As part of its efforts to raise awareness about children’s rights and health, VakıfBank Sports Club collaborated with the Hope Foundation for Children with Cancer (KAÇUV). On February 15, to mark International Childhood Cancer Day, the club organized an event at VakıfBank Sports Palace where KAÇUV’s mobile "Hope Café" was set up to sell products to supporters. The proceeds from these sales were donated to support the treatment processes of children battling cancer.
During the event, club general manager Banu Can Schürmann, head coach Giovanni Guidetti, and team athletes actively participated in the sales, further enhancing public awareness. As part of the campaign aimed at fans, spectators who made purchases above a certain amount received complimentary match tickets. In this way, the event contributed to reinforcing the concept of social responsibility within the sports environment.
The club emphasized the importance of early diagnosis during the event, aiming to inform the public about childhood cancer. Under the slogan “Notice the Yellow,” VakıfBank drew attention to the significance of early detection in childhood cancer and conducted public awareness campaigns to educate the community.
Inclusivity and Accessibility Policies
One of the fundamental elements of VakıfBank Sports Club’s social responsibility approach is promoting social inclusivity and ensuring that sports are accessible to everyone. The club develops practices aimed at enhancing the sports experience for both individuals with physical disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. According to club management, these policies are not limited to one-time activities but are addressed within a systematic and sustainable framework.
Club officials emphasize that accessibility-focused projects should not be confined solely to the physical aspects of sports, but should also aim to share volleyball culture and the values of sports at a societal level. Accordingly, these initiatives position sports not only as a professional activity but also as a tool that serves social development.
VakıfBank’s Approach to Gender Equality in Sports
VakıfBank Sports Club aims to contribute to gender equality in sports through initiatives such as youth development programs designed for female athletes and increasing the representation of women in leadership roles. The club has adopted policies supporting the active participation of female coaches and managers in its sports structures. Additionally, media campaigns and social projects aimed at increasing the visibility of women’s volleyball are included within this scope.
The club’s gender equality policy is based on offering equal opportunities to girls, not only at the professional sports level but also within youth development programs. Efforts to increase the proportion of girls in sports schools are integrated with programs that support the career development of female athletes.
