CSKA's youth team started the new season with three consecutive victories, the last of which was a dramatic 3:2 win over Levski away from home. The coach of the senior age group, Neven Neshev, shared with the club's website his satisfaction with the development of the young talents, but also highlighted the serious problems the academy faces.

Neshev expressed disappointment that despite the constant successes of the youth formations, CSKA players often remain outside the national teams. He blames the system and certain interests, which he believes serve the "blue camp," demotivating the children and hindering their development. "It's hard for us to motivate the children because they don't see the point. These are talents who are simply not valued as they should be. I'm talking about children who have been champions three years in a row, but apparently, for the national coaches, this is not enough," Neshev complained.

Despite the difficulties, the coach finds ways to inspire the boys – primarily through victories in the derbies against Levski and through a clear future perspective: first, integration into CSKA's men's team, then participation in the national team, and finally, an opportunity for professional development abroad.

However, the coach did not hide that the biggest problem for the academy is the lack of its own facility. Currently, all formations train in a rented hall with a limited schedule, which seriously hinders their work. "We have an influx of children, but nowhere to accommodate them. Without a facility, we cannot develop volleyball," Neshev admitted.

In the short term, he wishes for health and championship titles for all age groups, and in the long term, more boys from the academy in the men's team, in the national squads, and even at the Olympic Games.

"CSKA has always been a symbol of hard work and will. I hope that soon the efforts of these boys will be appreciated as they deserve," concludes Neven Neshev.

photo:cskavolley.com