The Coupe De Volleyball Interligues UNSS-AEFE 2025 at the International French School (IFS) Singapore was a remarkable five-day event that brought together young athletes from across the globe for an unforgettable display of skill, teamwork, and camaraderie. From the breathtaking opening ceremony on 2 April 2025, to the thrilling championship match on 4 April 2025, every moment of the tournament reflected the spirit of international unity and competitive excellence.

A Grand Opening to Remember

The event began with an energetic and inspiring opening ceremony that celebrated the diversity and culture of the participating teams. Guillaume Cario, the President of the Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE) welcomed the athletes with an uplifting speech that emphasised the power of sport to bridge cultures and strengthen global connections. His words encouraged the young athletes to embrace the values of teamwork, perseverance, and respect as they prepared to embark on an exciting journey of competition and camaraderie.

The opening ceremony was a vibrant celebration of culture and talent. The IFS choir captivated the audience with a heartfelt performance of Coldplay’s “Man in the Moon,” setting a reflective and inspiring tone for the tournament. Their harmonious voices resonated throughout the amphitheatre, reminding everyone that the event was not just about competition but also about unity and shared experiences. Following the choir’s performance, IFS students delivered a thrilling lion dance that electrified the crowd. The powerful and graceful movements of the lion dancers filled the venue with energy, symbolising strength, agility, and the spirit of teamwork that would be on full display throughout the tournament.

As anticipation grew, the delegations representing 12 schools across 11 countries proudly took the stage for the official introduction and flag display. Athletes marched confidently, showcasing their national pride as they carried their flags high, their faces lit with excitement and determination. The vibrant colours of the flags and the diverse emblems were a powerful reminder of the global connections fostered by events like the Coupe De Volleyball. Representing the AEFE network, these schools and countries stood proudly together:

• Benin – EFE Montaigne, Cotonou
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – Lycée Blaise Pascal, Abidjan
• Mali – Lycée Français Liberté de Bamako, Bamako
• Cambodia – Lycée Français René Descartes, Phnom Penh
• Hong Kong – Lycée Français International de Hong Kong
• Indonesia – Lycée Français de Bali
• Malaysia – Lycée Français de Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore – International French School Singapore
• Thailand – Lycée Français International de Bangkok
• Tunisia – École Internationale de Carthage, Carthage & Lycée Gustave Flaubert, La Marsa
• Morocco – Lycée Français René Descartes, Rabat
• France – École des Pupilles de l’Air et de l’Espace, Grenoble

The ceremony continued with a mesmerising interpretive dance performed by IFS students, whose expressive movements told a powerful story of resilience, passion, and unity. Set against an atmosphere of excitement and pride, their performance captivated the audience and perfectly captured the spirit of the tournament—a celebration not only of competition, but of shared experience, cultural exchange, and lasting connection across borders.

The Spirit of the AEFE Network

At the heart of the Coupe De Volleyball Inter-ligues UNSS-AEFE 2025 was the vibrant network that made it all possible—the AEFE (Agency for French Education Abroad). Representing more than 600 schools across 138 countries, the AEFE connects students through a shared French curriculum while encouraging openness to local cultures and global perspectives. This unique blend creates a learning environment that celebrates both academic excellence and international understanding. The tournament was a perfect example of that spirit in action: students arrived speaking different native languages, wearing different flags, but instantly recognised the familiar rhythm of AEFE life—shared values, familiar traditions, and a deep sense of belonging.
For many athletes, this was their first international tournament—and their first time realising the true scope of the AEFE network. Competing against, and connecting with, peers from such a wide range of countries gave them a powerful glimpse into the global community they’re part of. It was more than just volleyball; it was the AEFE brought to life.

Knockout Rounds and Standout Moments

As the tournament progressed to the elimination brackets, the intensity only grew. The eight final brackets (E through H) saw stunning upsets, close calls, and displays of true sportsmanship.
After an intense group stage, the tournament shifted into the knockout rounds, where the excitement only grew. In Bracket E, the final culminated in a nail-biting showdown as La Marsa triumphed over a formidable Bali 1 team, winning 2-1 after a dramatic run that included a hard-fought victory against Kuala Lumpur. Over in Bracket F, it was an all-Hong Kong affair as Hong Kong 1 rose to the occasion, ultimately defeating Hong Kong 2 in a thrilling 2-1 final that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

In Bracket G, Bali 2 showcased dominance and composure, powering through both of their matches with clean 2-0 victories to secure the bracket title. Meanwhile, in Bracket H, Carthage maintained the impeccable form they had displayed throughout the group stages, capturing a decisive 2-0 win over Cotonou in the final. Across every bracket, the matches reflected the dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship that defined the spirit of the Coupe De Volleyball 2025.

Each game was not only a test of skill but a showcase of the players’ passion, determination, and commitment to their teams.

A Tournament of Talent: Group Stage Intensity

The competition opened with a series of high-energy group stage matches, as teams were split into four groups (A to D). Each team played three games, and the top performers began to emerge quickly.

The group stages delivered five days of fast-paced, high-energy matches that laid the foundation for an unforgettable tournament. The tournament was a true celebration of skill, resilience, and international camaraderie — and at the end, two teams stood at the very top.

In the boys’ category, it was La Marsa (Tunisia) who claimed the championship title. Building on an undefeated group stage, La Marsa showcased outstanding teamwork, strategy, and endurance throughout the tournament. Their campaign included a dramatic victory over Kuala Lumpur and a nail-biting final win against Bali 1 (2-1) in Bracket E, solidifying their place as the boys’ overall champions. Their ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt to tough opponents reflected the very best of the AEFE spirit.

In the girls’ category, Phnom Penh (Cambodia) emerged as the champions. With a display of both technical skill and unity, Phnom Penh powered through the tournament, capturing the hearts of spectators with their spirited performances and unwavering determination. Their victory stands as a testament to the strength and growing talent within the AEFE-UNSS girls’ volleyball community.

Beyond the overall titles, the tournament also celebrated bracket victories across all categories. Hong Kong 1 captured Bracket F in a dramatic all-Hong Kong final (2-1), Bali 2 dominated Bracket G with clean 2-0 wins, and Carthage (Tunisia) claimed Bracket H, continuing their impressive run from the group stages with a commanding 2-0 victory over Cotonou.
Together, La Marsa and Phnom Penh led the way in a tournament that was about more than winning—it was about resilience, teamwork, and the friendships formed across borders. The Coupe De Volleyball 2025 not only crowned champions but also highlighted the spirit of unity and excellence that defines the AEFE network around the world.

The group stage results reflected the diversity and strength of the AEFE network’s sporting talent, as teams from around the world came together to compete, connect, and shine on the international stage. Each match was played in a best-of-three set format, testing not just the players’ skill and stamina, but also their mental resilience and teamwork.

More Than a Game: Building Friendships Beyond the Court

Over five days of competition, it quickly became clear that while each team brought impressive athletic skill and determination, what truly defined the tournament was the overwhelming spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect. Between matches, players exchanged high-fives, offered words of encouragement, and even traded jerseys—a time-honoured tradition that transformed rivals into teammates in spirit. The halls of IFS echoed not just with cheers for points won, but with laughter, shared chants, and warm applause for great plays on both sides of the net.
In these in-between moments—over shared lunches, recovery stretches, and spontaneous dance circles in the stands—friendships flourished. Athletes supported one another regardless of nationality, forming bonds that went far beyond the scoreboard. It was a beautiful reminder that while competition brings excitement, community is what makes it unforgettable

A Showcase of Talent, Heart, and Cultural Exchange

On the court, the intensity was undeniable. Each match delivered tightly contested sets and powerful rallies that had spectators holding their breath. Teams from Tunisia, Malaysia, France, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Benin, and beyond showcased not only remarkable technique and teamwork, but also grit and grace under pressure. Players adapted quickly, supported one another fiercely, and left everything on the court, creating moments that were as thrilling as they were inspiring.

Off the court, the atmosphere was just as meaningful. Delegations took time to explore Singapore’s rich cultural offerings and the vibrant IFS campus, exchanging stories, traditions, and perspectives along the way. This beautiful blend of competition and cultural connection is exactly what set the Coupe De Volleyball apart. More than just a tournament, it became a living example of how sport, especially within the AEFE network, can unite young people from all corners of the world through shared experience and mutual respect.