If you’re a volleyball player looking to play overseas, PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL when choosing where to go and make sure you do a lot of research about the club and the place you’re going to.
Also, try to speak with other professional players for valuable tips.
Below is the story of an American player who was in Brazil to tryout for a team.
A) Upon my arrival I was dropped off at an apartment in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Volta Redonda. They took me into a room and said you stay here, the room included a box spring with a sheet(no blanket or pillow, but i had my own pillow) and a small dresser. Within 3 hours of being there I saw some guys walking around with guns, about 3 hours after that I heard some gun shots in the distance. I immediately contacted the manager and said take me to a hotel.
B)After this they told me you will have a better apartment on Monday, on Monday they told me that the apartment is not ready Tuesday you can move in, on Tuesday again they said the apartment is not ready maybe tomorrow, I could not get a clear answer from anyone…..language barrier is not an issue I speak and understand Portuguese well enough to communicate with the team staff.
C) The final reason that I will list, I have been lucky enough to have been put in contact with Jorge Assef (top agent in Brazil, represents Giba) he seemed very concerned about me being in Volta Redonda, he emailed me daily asking if I was okay. I had also talked to many of my friends and my family that live here in Brazil and they all told me that Volta Redonda is not a good city and that the sport club here has lots of management and money problems.
I am a bit disappointed that this didn’t work out but my safety is first priority over volleyball, but this trip will not go to waste. It has been almost 4 years since I have seen my family in Curitiba and now I will get to visit them for a little while before I return to the states. Thanks everyone for the support during this adventure! Just another bump in the road but I’m not pulling over anytime soon.
He made a very smart decision!!!
Safety first over anything else!!!
He had a forgettable experience but the great thing about him is that he is not giving up.
Any pro player out there with a STORY TO SHARE? Send us an email to INFO@VOLLEYWOOD.NET.