VCHPL crowns a historic season
There are seasons that leave an everlasting mark on a club's memory.
The one just experienced by Volley Club Hyères – Pierrefeu – La Londe (VCHPL) remains engraved as one of the most brilliant in its history! Men's Nationale 2 French champion title, Coupe de France final against three elite teams, record crowd at home and, above all, a flawless union between three municipalities united under the same banner.
Recently, the Hyères town hall welcomed players, staff and volunteers to celebrate this extraordinary journey in the presence of Jean-Pierre Giran, Patrick Martinelli and François de Canson. "What a symbol: three towns, a single banner, and proof that unity is strength," savours Steve Peironet, sports director of VCHPL.
LOCOMOTIVE "Simply exceptional," summarizes Steve Peironet when asked to condense the season into a few words. Undefeated in the championship and crowned at home during a memorable Final Four, the Varois left only crumbs for their opponents.
The turning point? "Our scare in the Coupe de France in Marseille. We were leading 2-0, they came back to 2-2 and we got through 15-13 in the tie-break... If we had failed, the momentum would have collapsed. Instead, it decupled."
The rest belongs to legend, with a quarter-final played in front of more than 1,000 spectators against Amiens, then the national final won in La Londe. "Winning at home, in front of this crowd, was fabulous," he breathes.
While the first team acts as the locomotive, the club is moving forward on all tracks. The agreement signed with a local hospital center guarantees accelerated diagnostics and rehabilitation protocols, allowing for a diagnosis within 48 or 72 hours. A mental coach can intervene if needed. "The well-being of our players is becoming a priority," he insists.
At the same time, the reserve and the 3rd team are managed "like a real training center," with a state-certified coach and a former female professional leading the 3rd team and the boy's M18 Coupe de France.
On the recruitment side, everything is already set with three new faces: two middle blockers and an attacker, who will join a squad reinforced by the arrival of a "calm and experienced" head coach, supported by an assistant. "With the energy radiated by the collective, we needed to harmonize all this with someone calm and steady. We are always aiming for balance."
Resumption scheduled for August 18, with personalized programs to arrive "ready to see the professional world."
The promotion to Élite (third national tier) is only a step. In three years, Ligue B is set as a new horizon.
To grow, VCHPL needs walls higher than the nine meters required by the federation.
The solution? Integrating Espace 3000, a future showcase shared with HTV Basket. "As soon as the hall is renovated and ready, we must move in. It will be our springboard to the high level," says the director, aware that an appropriate floor surface remains an indispensable adjustment.
PARTNERS The Business Club already has more than sixty companies and is expected to grow further. But the future looks costly: "We will only have three away matches in the South, all the rest will be played in the North. Every support will count."
At the end of a year, the sports director's message is simple: "Let us keep this spirit, this energy. Remaining a big family means remembering that our successes stem from the directors, volunteers, an exemplary communications department, sports committees...
and a supportive crowd. See you in September for the friendlies, then in October for the Élite. Come and share the excitement with us: more than ever, VCHPL is a matter of the heart."
Photos Philippe OLIVIER.