By the time you read this, Kempen native Filip Buijs may still be hiking in the Austrian mountains — trying to unwind after a challenging year.
Buijs came to Vilvoorde with the best intentions: to help get the struggling Flemish volleyball federation back on track. The turnaround isn’t complete, but significant steps have been taken to avoid bankruptcy and build a future for both the federation and the sport.
Yet, a year and a half after taking on the role, he is stepping down. He’ll still be seen in Vilvoorde occasionally until early October, helping former player Lander Vandecaveye transition into his new role.
Why are you leaving VV, Filip?
“The main reason is that I underestimated the distance between Arendonk and Vilvoorde. The Antwerp and Brussels ring roads are major obstacles. Spending up to four hours a day in traffic was just too much. If that hadn’t been the case, I’d still be working full-time in Vilvoorde in this exciting position.”
So you’ve found something else?
“I’ve been working independently since 2022, focusing on consulting and guiding teams through change. Previously in the public sector, and now with MONDEA.”
You needed a different approach for volleyball?
“I’ve never spent so much time in banks trying to stabilize the finances. We had to act fast. The situation was critical, and trust was low. Difficult decisions were needed: structural reforms, changing plans for national teams, reducing the beach volleyball academy, letting staff go…
But I believe the worst is over. We introduced two recovery plans: one to boost revenue, the other to cut costs. Unless something unforeseen happens, we expect a positive balance of €700,000 by the end of 2025. You can’t erase €1.98 million in debt in a year, but I’m encouraged by the clubs and the entire volleyball community coming together. Cash flow was our biggest short-term challenge.”
A concrete measure?
“We restructured internal costs and raised membership fees — difficult, but necessary. We’re also exploring a new business model for the Eurovolley Center, which could offer long-term solutions.”
Couldn’t you have worked from home more to avoid travel?
“Given how much needed to change, I felt I had to be on-site often. Reacting quickly was key. Plus, we work a lot with volunteers — meaning evenings and weekends. Fortunately, new teams are forming, and the organization is moving in a positive direction. Hats off to the staff who did their jobs under tough conditions. We now have a dedicated board, and I feel confidence is returning. Still, the entire volleyball ecosystem — VV, the francophone federation, Belgian federation, Volleyliga, BLVVs, and others — must work together.”
Any less pleasant moments?
“Of course. The financial challenges were intense, and a lot of documentation was missing. We had to figure things out step by step. But we regained control.”
Optimistic for the future?
“My successor will hopefully have more room to focus on volleyball itself and on realizing our ‘volleyball for all’ vision. So far, we’ve had to concentrate internally. Now, it’s time to collaborate with all stakeholders. I hope we’ve created the conditions for that, and I’ll gladly continue to assist. Marie Declerck, president of the league, will also take on the role of interim general director.”
Pleased with your time in volleyball?
“Absolutely. I’m proud we made progress, and I owe that to the team at Volley Vlaanderen and our board members. Meetings were always intense and productive.”
Still enjoy volleyball?
“Very much! I’m still involved at Arendonk, a lovely, family-style club like many in Flanders. My kids still play there too. And I’ve discovered a new world: Belgian volleyball is world-class, and it was great to contribute.”
Still hopes for the future?
“We’ve long aimed to attract more boys to the sport. Volleyball is complex and not determined by two goals like in football. We need to ignite the competitive fire in boys earlier. National team success also drives participation. In that regard, the future looks bright.”
What are you proudest of?
“That even in a difficult context, change is possible — but never alone. Just like in volleyball, only strong teamwork makes a difference.”
Text: Marcel Coppens
Photo: archive