The roar of the crowd, the intensity of competition, the sheer physical and mental dedication – for elite volleyball and beach volleyball players, this is life. But what happens when the final whistle blows, and the spotlight dims? The transition from a professional athletic career to a new chapter is often one of the most significant, yet least prepared for, challenges an athlete faces. Recognizing this crucial juncture, the FIVB, in partnership with the International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES), is once again stepping up to the net with its impactful “Beyond the Court” program.
Slated for October 6-10, 2025, in the illustrious Olympic Capital, Lausanne, this week-long initiative isn`t just a seminar; it`s a strategic playbook for a successful second act. Fifteen distinguished athletes from across the globe are set to converge at the Volleyball House, ready to exchange their jerseys for business casual, or perhaps a slightly less demanding uniform.
From Spikes to Strategic Planning: The Program`s Core
The brilliance of “Beyond the Court” lies in its proactive approach. It acknowledges that the discipline, teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking honed on the court are not just athletic traits but highly transferable assets for any professional endeavor. The program is meticulously designed to help participants:
- Engage in daily education sessions: These aren`t your typical post-game analyses. Athletes will delve into identifying personal values, dissecting their unique transferable skills – yes, that lightning-fast reaction time can translate to quick decision-making under pressure – and mastering the art of professional branding and communication. Because, let`s face it, knowing how to serve an ace doesn`t automatically mean you know how to serve a compelling elevator pitch.
- Gain invaluable exposure: The Olympic Capital is more than just picturesque scenery; it`s a veritable hub of international sports organizations. Participants will meet and network with global volleyball and beach volleyball stakeholders, opening doors to future opportunities within the sport and across the broader industry. It`s a chance to see that the world of sports extends far beyond the confines of the playing arena.
- Immerse themselves in the Olympic Capital: Beyond formal meetings, the environment itself is an education. Connecting with leading international sports organizations offers a panoramic view of the sporting ecosystem, broadening perspectives beyond the familiar confines of a volleyball court.
Morning sessions will strategically blend practical frameworks with interactive workshops, ensuring that the theoretical knowledge is immediately applicable. The afternoons, meanwhile, are dedicated to fostering connections, with networking opportunities with industry leaders and tailored sessions designed to amplify the athletes` capacity to leverage their extensive on-court experience.
A Global Team for a Global Challenge
The 2025 cohort represents a truly international lineup of talent, featuring players who have graced courts and sands from the Dominican Republic to Brazil, Egypt to Serbia, and beyond. This diversity of experience not only enriches the program but underscores the universal challenge of athlete transition. It’s a testament to the fact that while the game may be global, the personal journey beyond it often requires localized, yet universally applicable, support.
The FIVB, alongside CIES, isn`t just offering a course; they`re cultivating a community. By investing in their athletes` long-term welfare, they are ensuring that the lessons learned on the court continue to inspire and contribute, long after the final point is scored. It`s a forward-thinking vision that recognizes the immense value and potential within every athlete, proving that for these champions, the best plays are often yet to come, well “beyond the court.”
Rupert Caldwell