How does the VolleyPro Academy work?

What do I have to do? What do I get? What do I pay?

All these questions are natural. The VolleyPro Academy is a new and innovative concept, and you want to understand it before you commit your interest.

Let us explain some of the key concepts of the Academy, and to read more about what the Academy is, please refer to our other blog posts.

The VolleyPro Academy (the Academy) is designed to prepare athletes for professional success overseas. It is a preparatory programme, combining technical, physical and mental training while giving the athletes experience managing life as a professional athlete.

Most facets of the programme are intended to emulate professional life, so that the athlete gains experience in succeeding in this environment.

1. The programme is residential.

   This means that athletes must move to (or stay in) Palmerston North, where the Academy is situated. Athletes will stay in a residential pod (flat) with other Academy athletes, and must learn to manage their lives in alignment with their volleyball success.

   
   

2. Athletes must commit to a professional workload.

   Athletes will train (on-ball) up to 7 times a week, with additional strength & conditioning training. Volleyball is their priority. As such, athletes should not work full-time, but can work part-time to cover expenses.

   
   

3. Combining volleyball with study.

   We do encourage Academy athletes to study through Massey University, and can help to facilitate this. Combining study with volleyball provides many benefits, and ensures athletes are prepared for life after volleyball. In addition, in many cases the athletes will be eligible for subsidies on their studies as a result of their status as an Academy athlete.

   
   

4. The programme is subsidised (free!).

   For athletes selected, there is no cost once they have relocated. Athletes accommodation, training, equipment, travel and competition related costs are fully funded.

   
   

   Personal expenses - food, clothing, entertainment - remain an athletes own responsibility.

   
   

5. The programme links directly to professional leagues.

   For graduating athletes, it is likely that you will receive a professional contract offer upon completion of your time at the Academy.

   
   

   This professional contract will be with a partner club of the Academy, will last for 1-2 years, and (if successful) will act as a stepping stone for further opportunities throughout Europe.

   
   

   The contract offer will allow you to live and play volleyball in a professional league, without relying on savings or familial support.

VolleyPro will continuously endeavour to improve the programme, so that Athletes have the best preparation and are most likely to succeed.

For more questions, please email tim@volleypro.co.nz.