An intense sports season for the VCHPL
This year, the Volley Club Hyères – Pierrefeu - La Londe (VCHPL) had an exemplary season.

Building on its successes and the progress made, the Volley Club Hyères – Pierrefeu - La Londe can congratulate itself on a year rich in emotions and exceptional performances. Indeed, under the presidency of Steve Peironet, the club stood out for its results. "With 50 points, we were sure to go up, but we lost our confrontation against Grenoble in Elite, twice 3-1, a strong team," explains Steve Peironet, the club's new sports director. Despite this defeat, satisfaction is palpable: "We have made huge progress. We have a high-quality group and the majority of the players are staying." Playing before an average of over 600 spectators, the men's team managed to captivate and build loyalty among its audience. This season particularly thrilled François de Canson, mayor of La Londe-les-Maures and a loyal supporter of the team: "This season, our Volley Hyères-Pierrefeu-La Londe club achieved a magnificent sporting journey. Each match was closely followed by passionate and ambitious supporters who never stopped encouraging our players. Our Londais champion, Steve Peironet, who has played for 11 French professional clubs, has managed as a coach to give a soul and a standard of play to this team. We narrowly missed out on promotion to the higher division. As of now, a new organization is being put in place and new players are joining to enrich the squad. For this season, I will once again be a fervent supporter of our team and, of course, from the bottom of my heart, I hope that this year, the challenge of reaching the higher division will be met."

STEVE PEIRONET, SPORTS DIRECTOR
However, the club will undergo a few changes. First of all, in terms of sports, it recorded a notable performance from the women's team. On that side, the team, playing in Nationale 2, marked the season with an admirable run. With six consecutive victories, the girls finished in fifth place in the championship, illustrating their potential and determination. Next, the club saw a change of direction for Steve Peironet. Since the end of the season, Steve Peironet has held the position of sports director, leaving his coaching role to return to the court after 17 years. "The club is now structured. We are ready for promotion. I now want to get back to playing at home," says the manager. Furthermore, for the club's near future, some players are definitely worth watching. Especially two players who stood out this season. First, Bryan Rafidison, with his powerful and explosive style of play, who was a true revelation in the coach's opinion: "He clearly stood out from the crowd. Baptiste Enfoux, meanwhile, regained his professional level and is set to become a pillar of the team next season. But things are also very encouraging on the women's side." To strengthen group cohesion, various activities were set up: beach outings, post-training meetings, and volunteer work in an EHPAD in La Londe. "This creates bonds and influences the state of mind. These initiatives help forge a strong, unified team spirit," assures Steve Peironet.

EXPANSION
The club has experienced impressive growth, going from 280 to more than 430 licensed members. "It's colossal for a single season, we have very high demand," rejoices the sports director. The new board, in place since this year, has organized numerous events, activities, and tournaments, restructuring the club to aim for higher levels and reach the top. And the structure receives solid support from its partners. Thus, the business club brings together about sixty partners. Offering a VIP area and the organization of evenings throughout the season in Toulon-Est and Toulon-Ouest. "This business club helps strengthen ties between partners, elected officials, business leaders, shopkeepers, and the club. It is a free, indoor show, with music, dancers, and especially on the match side, the level is starting to be very high. We are not just offering a volleyball match, but a real event," adds the director. As for the calendar, the ambitions for next season are clear: reach the Nationale 1 élite, secure first place, and go far in the Coupe de France. "We have a real card to play and a real development to make. In parallel, the club is involved in beach volleyball thanks to high-quality facilities in Hyères. We have set up rigorous medical monitoring for the first teams, including cold baths at every training session. We want there to be follow-up for the young players, both physical and mental," assures the leader. This attention paid to the players' well-being testifies to the club's desire to best prepare for the challenges ahead. •
Photos by Alain BLANCHOT.