Add the Gazzetta del Sud as a source
The University of Calabria takes a strategic step in the integration between high education and elite competitiveness, taking over the sports title that will allow it to compete in the men’s Serie B national volleyball championship in the 2026/2027 season. The achievement of a national championship, made technically possible by the affiliation of Cus Unical to Fipav, is part of the CUS Unical Sport Hub, a project promoted by Giuseppe Piero Guido, delegate of the Rector for Sociality on Campus, and designed to strengthen the student-athlete Dual Career program.
A project that unites universities and top sports
The initiative demonstrates the strong synergy between the University led by the rector Gianluigi Greco and the University Sports Center chaired by Giannantonio Cuomo, who gave concrete implementation and maximum impetus to this initiative, transforming top-level sport into a lever of attractiveness for the Campus and enhancement of the university brand.
«There is truly great satisfaction for this project which aims to become a reference model at a national level, promoting elite sport with teams made up entirely of university students – declared the rector Gianluigi Greco -. We wanted to start immediately from the highest levels by relying on a sporting icon like Valerio Vermiglio, silver medalist at the Olympics. A fundamental step to strengthen the link between training, discipline and sport values.”
A true volleyball academy is born
Presence in the national championship represents the fulcrum of a truly permanent academy, designed to generate value along the entire volleyball supply chain: from the first team to the youth sectors, up to sitting volleyball and beach volleyball. The project framework also aims to progressively extend this model to other disciplines and training courses, promoting social inclusion and support for Paralympic disciplines. The project combines the objectives of competitive growth and social impact of the University with the needs of the Italian Volleyball Federation, creating a bridge with the models of the national youth teams. The Hub will also enhance the scientific expertise of university departments in the fields of sports medicine, physiotherapy, athletic training, nutrition and sports psychology.
The Dual Career model for student-athletes
The new structure also makes it possible to overcome the current Dual Career model, until now aimed at individual athletes registered with external clubs or engaged in individual disciplines, through the creation of entirely university teams. The student-athletes of the first volleyball team admitted to the program will be able to take advantage of academic tutoring, flexibility in organizing their studies and free use of the accommodation and canteen services on Campus. A measure that represents a direct investment to attract high-profile talents from across the national and international territory.
Valerio Vermiglio sports director
Preparation will start at the end of August with the official meeting, coordinated by the technical director Giacomo Bozzo, former coach of the Under 19 national team, and the sporting director Valerio Vermiglio, former captain of the Italian national team.