Italian specialist Enrico Balletto takes over as sports director of the Maritsa (Plovdiv) youth academy. The appointment continues the Italian line in the development of young talents in the club, after the well-known specialist Giuseppe Bosetti worked with the Plovdiv team a year ago.
Balletto, 52, was born in Cagliari and has many years of experience in Italian and international volleyball. He has worked as a coach, technical coordinator, and head of youth development, in both men's and women's volleyball.
In November 2024, the Italian will take over the Pakistan women's national team as part of a project by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Prior to that, between 2011 and 2016, he led the Italian national beach volleyball teams for athletes with hearing impairments. Under his leadership, the women's team reached fifth place at the European Championship in Paris in 2015, and a year later the U21 team finished fourth at the championship in Lodz.
Balletto holds the highest coaching qualification from the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV), including specialization in working with youth. In his professional development, he has gained experience from specialists such as Fefe De Giorgi, Angelo Lorenzetti, and Luciano Pedullà.
It is interesting to note that the presence of Giuseppe Bosetti in the history of the academy is one of the main reasons Balletto accepted Maritsa's offer.
"The first reason I accepted the offer is because I know that Maritsa is a very big club in Bulgaria. The other reason, however, is because I know that a year ago Prof. Giuseppe Bosetti, whom I consider one of the best youth coaches in the history of volleyball in Italy, worked at the club. It is a great responsibility for me to come after Prof. Bosetti, but at the same time, it is a very good opportunity and challenge for me," the Italian told the club's website.
The new sports director highly appreciates the academy's model, where sports training is combined with the education of young volleyball players.
A key priority in his work will be the individual development of the players. Balletto intends to introduce specialized training for girls with potential for professional volleyball, without neglecting the other students of the academy.
"We need to work purposefully with girls who have the potential to reach the highest level, offering them specific training. At the same time, we must give all players the necessary tools so that they can experience satisfaction and true enjoyment from the game," Balletto explained.
The Italian also places a strong emphasis on the attitude towards the club jersey. According to him, passion, motivation, and dedication should be leading qualities for every player who passes through the Maritsa academy.
With Balletto's appointment, the Plovdiv club continues to invest in international expertise in preparing the next generation of volleyball players.