Yamamay in Europe, a great thrill

Thursday, 3 December 2009, is one of those dates that, whether you like it or not, will become part of the story of provincial volleyball. Tomorrow evening, at 8.30 p.m., Yamamay Busto Arsizio are making their debut in Europe, with the opening game of the CEV Cup, for which Yamamay Busto Arsizio qualified thanks to their fourth place obtained last year in the A1 division. And if there is one person who deserves more than everyone else to appear on the cover, it is Michele Forte, the team president, who does not hide his happiness in the hours before the match against the Croatian team of Velika Gorika.

 

President Forte, it’s not long now until your continental debut. How do you feel at this moment?

“I’m very excited indeed, because, for the first time, our team is attending an international event of this level. We hope to do well, and thereby continue our satisfaction: we want to honour the CEV, in terms of results, and the setting; in fact, we are currently preparing the sports stadium as best we can. Now, we hope our legs won’t start trembling when the ball is in play.”

 

Ten years ago, the team was refounded. At that time, was entry into Europe was a realistic objective?

“We didn’t even discuss it, even though the people involved wanted immediately to create a strong club that would have a great sporting story. And so, we achieved victory in the A2 division, a wonderful debut in the top division, and qualification in the CEV. Winning it in the second year was an extra satisfaction.”

 

And Coach Carlo Parisi has always had an essential role in your success.

“That’s right, and this is why we’ve held on to him. Our team is like a family, and that’s not just false rhetoric. If the agreement with Carlo (in the photograph here) continues, it’s because we get on so well together.”

 

With regard to family, how do you reconcile your situation, where the athletes live around the premises of the club in Samarate, with the travelling demanded by volleyball at the highest level?

“I can’t say how we reconcile our situation with the championships, because we have still to play them. Joking aside, the organisation of Futura is one of our strengths. The fact that we have our premises and physiotherapy gym in a place like Samarate, and that we have are on excellent terms with the townsfolk have made things easier. Many people have approached us, they work voluntarily, contribute to the activities and simplify our lives. Moving to more crowded places, even to the centre of Busto, would create significant logistic problems for us; but here, we can build our tranquillity.”

 

In conclusion, let’s consider the championship. Which mark would you give Yamamay so far?

“I think that so far, you can’t give a mark to our team or to any other. It’s a lovely tournament, and very difficult because the results show that any line-up can win against all of the other teams. If the big teams are distracted when they enter the court, they’ll be beaten by everyone; it might seem strange, but it’s fascinating. However, I do believe that the technical qualities will emerge with time. At that point, it’s you who should give the marks.”