Yesterday, Nice-Volley signed the Collective Volley convention at the Hôtel Plaza, represented by Philippe Blain and Véronique Barré. A magnificent tool for the career transition of professional athletes.
In the beautiful setting of Hôtel Plaza and its Terrace, Philippe Blain, a former coach of the French Team for 11 years (2001-2012), and Véronique Barré presented the convention, its objectives, and outcomes.
A big step for Nice-Volley’s athletes. With this new convention signed between the club’s leaders and the association, they will be able to more easily balance study, career transition, and professional careers. Philippe Fantinel, the club’s general secretary, believes that “the club is entering a new era.” All of coach Mladen Kasic’s protégés are present, except for Julien Schroeder.
Philippe Blain admits that initially, clubs “were unsure because they thought the athletes would invest more in the companies than in their clubs.” A complete misunderstanding since the objective of this convention is not to deprive the clubs of their volleyball players but to give them a chance for career transition.
It is thus imperative to prepare them for employment with recruitment offers and help them integrate as best as possible into the working world: “Motivate athletes about the possibility of a post-career.” To flourish socially and athletically by preparing the dual career as best as possible.
The salary of a professional volleyball player does not currently allow for long-term vision (1). Many attempt to transition into sports-related jobs, but the choices are vast. Therefore, we need to provide them with an effective means to achieve this. Open internal training sessions and offer internship opportunities to students, organize local management in coordination with the association, appoint an educational supervisor (tutor), and meet the players’ needs.
A national plan that develops locally. Philippe Blain cites the example of Carglass, a windshield repair company, partner of ASUL Lyon. A new partnership was recently signed with the Adecco Foundation, a leader in temporary work, fixed-term, and permanent contracts.
Clubs also find a non-negligible benefit. With this convention, they will have the opportunity to obtain new partnerships with companies that must also do their best to showcase their small world through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policies. Clubs can enhance the sports world by creating a much closer and more personal link.
The President of Nice-Volley, Alain Griguer, rejoices in such a partnership: “It is important for a club to have this path for career transition. It is a bright future.” He also acknowledges that they must also work with the local youths from the region. For this, the club can scout future talents of the white ball at the Côte d’Azur Pôle Espoirs in Cannes.
And as Gilles Vaissière, former international referee (football) and now sports deputy at the City Hall, aptly says, “Indoor sports are still somewhat lagging behind football, rugby.” He rightly takes the example of handball. The goalkeeper who managed to negotiate a beautician training course in her contract.
Valérie Nicolas, who after a victory in the Champions League, came to the 4th division but knew there was a useful career transition at the end, just like Nodjialem Myaro. He addresses these great lads by telling them that they cultivate winning. A match where all competitors can only come out as winners.
