Alfonso
We have an interesting story from Czech Republic. The middle blocker Martin Alfonso, had to change profession after he came to England. He is still playing volleyball, but only at amateur level.
“I played for several seasons in Czech team Usti and after contract expiring, I wanted to make another step in my career. I was 25 and I thought that some club abroad would be good decision for me. But, my girlfriend and my wife now is an English teacher and she wanted to work only in English-speaking countries. In Europe, England was the first option. But, it was tough for me. There was no professional volleyball league.”
So, what was your decision?
“We moved to England. I stopped playing volleyball and started working as a driver and gardener. Andrea took care of the household. After a year, we both managed to find “normal” jobs. Since that, I’ve been working in advertising agency, while my wife has been working in an office in a large courier company. I think, within two years we have created a pretty good place for living and I think that we won’t back to Czech Republic.”
But, do you regret for your volleyball career?
“I am sad because of that but in England there is no space for me to play volleyball. Czech Extraliga and the best volleyball competition in England simply can’t be compared. Super 8S competition is totally amateur. The only interesting event was ALL Star game, best foreign players against best domestic players. It was nice to come as a fan. Organizers completed a very good job.”
There is also one interesting thing…
“Volleyball is working similar like in USA. Students are the players. In England, there are a lot of Polish people who are missing volleyball like me. As you now, volleyball in Poland is a national sport. So, Polish people in England decided to establish a team – Polonia London. They have sponsors and the guys out there don’t have to pay anything. They are cooperating with Skra Bechatow, Polish volleyball giant. Recently, Polish team played in England against Polonia London. It is good to promote volleyball in England.”
What’s your experience regarding volleyball in England?
“I was a part of All Star Game. I don’t have a league medal but we played in the playoffs once. When I arrived, my club was promoted to the top league. I’m playing in the team of 12 foreigners and only four Englishmen. A lot of my teammates are like me, came to England to find a job”says Alfonso at the end of interview for sportidness.cz.
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