By Serena Lombardi
The 2024/2025 season marks a significant turning point for VBC Arnopolis, which has chosen to invest courageously in its youth sector. With a total of around 130 athletes, the club has embarked on a new strategic course aimed at enhancing local talent and creating a solid foundation for the future. This renewal is based on a technical staff of great quality, enriched by the presence of experienced figures such as Enrico Brizzi and Marco Soffici, both third-degree coaches. Completing the team are the historic Silvia Fornaini and the young and competent “smart coaches” Lucrezia Formenti, Michela Gouchon and Caterina Zaru, the latter a new addition to the group, who plays the dual role of smart coach and student coach.
The first results of this new management philosophy are already visible, and in the middle of the season there is an atmosphere of general satisfaction. The second division women’s team, made up of a balanced mix of girls from the Under 16 and Under 18 categories together with some more experienced athletes, closed the first round in first place in Group A, a result that rewards the teamwork and talent of the young promises. The Under 13s, currently in second place, have already qualified for the next round, showing determination and character. The Under 14s also showed important signs of growth, despite narrowly missing out on qualification for the next phase, finishing third in the standings compared to the previous season.
The Under 18 team, engaged on two fronts – the second division and the category championship – finished in third place, showing great resilience and commitment. Encouraging improvements are also recorded for the Under 16s, which, despite facing the difficulties associated with a less experienced group, is revealing considerable potential.
The Under 12 and the volleyball school are in a phase of strong growth, with an increase in enrolment both in Strada in Casentino and Pratovecchio Stia headquarters. The commitment of the coaches has materialized in the organization of S3 tournaments and friendlies, which have produced excellent results and laid the foundations for future seasons.
A special chapter is dedicated to the third division team, Arnopolis Vintage, made up of former athletes who have decided to return to the field under the guidance of player-coach Caterina Zaru. Despite facing teams made up of younger and more athletically prepared opponents, these veterans have shown that passion has no age, winning 4 points in two games.
With a project that looks to the future and involves all age groups, VBC Arnopolis is not only a sports club, but also a pillar for the community. Volleyball thus becomes a means of growth, sharing and passion. Expectations for the second part of the season are high, but the work done so far has already laid the foundations for a promising future of volleyball in Casentino.
Omac Active closes the first round in fourth place, a challenge at the top
The first round of the Serie B2 national championship ended with a promising result for Omac Active, the first team of the Vbc Arnopolis of Pratovecchio Stia. The Casentino girls have conquered a solid fourth place in the standings, showing great determination and quality in a particularly demanding tournament, made even more competitive by the presence of teams relegated from the higher category and ready to return to the top.
With 10 victories to its credit, 9 of which obtained without giving up a single set and only 4 defeats, Omac Active has confirmed itself among the protagonists of the group. It must be said that two of the four defeats came during a complicated week, marked by a sudden flu epidemic that put three starters out of the game. Despite these difficulties, the group led by Enrico Brizzi and Roberto Sordi showed incredible team spirit and a great ability to react, fundamental qualities to remain competitive.
2025 started on the right foot: two clear 3-0 victories consolidated fourth place, further reducing the gap from third position, the one that leads to the promotion play-offs.
After the break for the Italian Cup, the championship will resume on February 2 with a challenge not to be missed: the Arezzo derby against Ius Volleyball Arezzo, scheduled in Marciano della Chiana. An event that promises spectacle and great competitiveness. Afterwards, Omac Active will return to the Palazzetto di Pratovecchio Stia, to face Celle Ligure and Genoa, before preparing for the difficult trip to Albenga, set for March 1st.
“The balance so far is certainly positive, but we must remain focused. The second half of the season will be even more challenging, because the teams know each other better and every game can make the difference for the final results,” underlined coach Enrico Brizzi. “We are ready to get back to work to face this second part of the season in the best possible way.”
Omac Active is not just a volleyball team: it represents an entire community that enthusiastically supports the commitment and talent of its athletes. Thanks to realities such as Vbc Arnopolis, sport becomes an opportunity to enhance the Casentino territory and attract more and more fans. Each match is an event that unites fans and families, transforming the arena into a pulsating centre of energy and passion.
Info: Palazzetto dello Sport, Via Rita Levi Montalcini Pratovecchio Stia (Ar) / vbcarnopolis@virgilio.it