The president of Athletic Events and Sports Management, Inc. (ACES), Ian Laurel has remained focused on his long-term mission for the Shakey’s Super League (SSL)—building a sustainable pathway for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of the sport.
Recent months have seen Philippine volleyball surrounded by issues involving suspensions, leadership disputes, budget concerns, and administrative challenges. But for Laurel, the direction remains clear: continue developing the game at the grassroots level and create more opportunities for players who dream of reaching the next level.
Having spent decades involved in Philippine volleyball, including his stint as president of the now-defunct Philippine Superliga (PSL), Laurel understands the challenges that come with navigating the sport’s landscape. Rather than getting caught in the ongoing conflicts, he has opted to focus on areas where he believes meaningful change can happen.
Since its launch, the SSL has expanded its footprint by bringing in more collegiate and club teams, welcoming international participation, and taking competitions beyond Metro Manila. The goal has been to make volleyball more accessible while creating a stronger development system for athletes across the country.
For Laurel, that growth has been made possible through the continued backing of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI), a partner that supported volleyball even before the sport reached its current popularity.
“Because of Shakey’s, who has been there from the very start, they allowed us to grow this or to walk this path together with them, and it is such an honor,” Laurel said.
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Dr. Ian Laurel on staging the Shakey’s Juniors National Invitational for the first time with two foreign teams seeing action. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/dbuIU16XKR
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“Kaya kahit anong nangyayari sa paligid na kaguluhan, as long as we have them and we share the same vision and we have the same goals, I think we’ll be fine. Let’s stay in our lane and just do our best to promote the sport.”
That partnership, Laurel believes, is reflected in the players who have emerged from the league over the years. The SSL and its predecessor programs have become a training ground for athletes who would eventually become recognizable names in Philippine volleyball.
“Nakikita niyo ngayon ‘yung mga ‘volleyball stars natin, dumaan sa Shakey’s ‘yung mga ‘yan. As long as we’re able to produce players that inspire the younger generations, as long as we can produce players who can provide a path for an education, for a profession, for probably a fan base that looks up to them as inspiration, then that’s the goal. We’ve done our part,” he said.
For Laurel, the true measure of success is not only championships or popularity, but whether the sport continues to produce athletes who inspire the future of volleyball.
As Philippine volleyball faces questions about its future, the SSL chairman remains committed to the same vision that has guided him for years: invest in players, grow the game, and build a foundation strong enough to outlast the challenges surrounding the sport.
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