In the recently released Tweemansblok podcast by Marc Willems and Dominique Baeyens, Filip Buijs, the General Director of Volley Vlaanderen, and Gerrit Matthys, the president of the organization, share important insights about the financial situation of Volley Vlaanderen. In the conversation, they answer various questions about the challenges the organization has faced and the recovery plan currently in place.


Volley Vlaanderen takes difficult but necessary steps toward financial stability

The recovery plan includes numerous measures aimed at restoring the financial stability of the federation. In coordination with Sport Vlaanderen, the difficult decision was made to significantly adjust the cost structure of Volley Vlaanderen.

These measures are necessary to rebuild as a sports federation and, most importantly, to achieve the new mission "Volleyball for everyone!" Over the next few years, the volleyball federation plans to focus on true collaboration with all its clubs. In grassroots sports, this includes supporting clubs in finding volunteers. In elite sports, the federation remains ambitious: the goal is to be structurally world-class with the Yellow Tigers and Red Dragons.


Restructuring

By reducing certain activities, such as events, and redefining internal responsibilities, some roles will be eliminated or redistributed within existing teams.


Reasons for the restructuring

The financial challenges facing Volley Vlaanderen are the result of multiple factors, including the depletion of financial reserves and the costs associated with organizing the 2023 European Championship. Over the past five years, reserves have decreased by 2 million euros, and current expenses significantly exceed revenue. Therefore, it is necessary not only to intervene at the personnel level but also to take strong measures on the cost side of both elite and grassroots sports.


Future plans for Volley Vlaanderen

This restructuring is an important step in the restart of Volley Vlaanderen. The federation has adjusted its strategic direction and, after this stabilization period, will continue working towards the realization of its policy plan for 2025-2028. "We are confident that these steps will enable us to continue supporting and developing the sport of volleyball in Flanders in a sustainable manner," say the new management and board of Volley Vlaanderen. "We understand that this is a challenging period for everyone within the federation, but by continuing to work together, we will achieve our new mission 'Volleyball for everyone!'"


Listen to the full story in the podcast below.