This is the team that represents the volleyball of Achaia at a higher level, holding up the “flag” of the sport that has been in decline in the region in recent years.
The reason for the Association AO Aegialeon which, although last summer was strengthened and started with dreams and ambitions to claim its promotion to the Volleylegaue, however it failed to take the step further and finally renewed its stay in the Pre League.
The coach of AO Aegialeon for the last four years is his father Panagiotis Papadopoulos who will soon come to discussions with the management to renew for the new season.
Panagiotis Papadopoulos spoke to “Peloponnisos” and took stock of this year, giving the mark for the future…
-The main goal was for the team to claim promotion through the playoffs, but in the end it was not achieved. Can we say that the season was not successful?
“Ultimately although we had set our sights on promotion, 5th place proved to be very difficult given that most of the teams above us had much bigger budgets, but they also strengthened over the Christmas period.”
-What was his fault and the team didn’t make it?
“We had a very difficult year with injuries to key players and some unlucky results, but maybe in the end 6th place was what we deserved.”
-A comment on the management contribution? “The president of the team, Nikos Iliopoulos, tries with all his might to support the team in all areas and we thank him.”
– Can AO Aegialeon take the next step at some point?
“In order to take the next step, even more is needed both in the competitive field and outside of it. Above all, the local community, now that they have met the team, should help more financially because their help in the stands at every home game was touching. Now we have established that the Pre-League is a very “expensive” category and needs more support”.
-How is the Pre League now characterized, does it help or not the development of the sport?
“Pre Leaque is the best non-professional division in men’s volleyball, it offers strong matches and has outstanding Greek and foreign athletes. So I think it helps development.”
-Achaia for one more season might not do anything more than yours and Ermis’s stay in the A2 National Team. What are we not doing well?
“Volleyball in Achaia has not recovered yet following the sad stories of EAP and Panachaiki. The city cannot support many teams in high divisions because it has been hurt by bad handling in the past. Also, the society is considerably poorer than others.
It is now very difficult for someone to put money into a sport without significant exposure and success at the international level.”
-In what way will we be able to see growth in Greek volleyball?
“For there to be a positive change in volleyball we all have to change the culture. Development must start from schools first. There the children will love volleyball and will put aside the cell phone to play in their team. But this requires a collective effort from all agencies.”
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#deserved #6th #place
