The captain of the Bulgarian national men’s volleyball team, Alex Grozdanov, and one of the biggest stars in world volleyball, Wilfredo Leon, sent a common message to the volleyball talents who will play in Sofia before Christmas in the fourth edition of the international tournament “A1 Stars of the future”, organized by “Levski Sofia”. The two teammates in the Polish “Bogdanka” (Lubin) became part of the big names, showing attitude and giving inspiration to the boys and girls who followed in their footsteps. Young volleyball players from the most successful schools in Europe are coming to Bulgaria again for the 2024 edition of the tournament It will be held from December 20 to 22 in the “Levski Sofia” sports hall. A total of 12 teams are participating girls up to 16 years.
“Hello, volleyball friends. I am glad that you are participating in this strong tournament at the international level. I congratulate you. Have fun,” said Alex Grozdanov. And immediately after the 26-year-old central blocker, the 31-year-old receiver took the floor.
“Levski Sofia”, I am happy that you have decided to organize this tournament for young players. I hope you will have fun. May the best win. Good luck to everyone”, the volleyball megastar addressed both the Bulgarian organizers and the young people , dreaming of becoming like him.
Wilfredo León was born in Cuba, and at the age of 17 he became the youngest captain of the men’s national team, for which the super talent made his debut at the age of 14. After leaving his homeland, he received citizenship in the homeland of his girlfriend, future wife and mother of his child – Poland. He keeps collecting volleyball honors. Has medals from all the major national level competitions. Current Olympic runner-up with Poland from the Paris Games. European Champion from 2023 in the championship, in which Bulgaria was the co-host, chosen as the MVP of the championship. Gold medalist in the Volleyball League of Nations last year as well. There were appearances in Sofia in 2012, when Cuba won the bronze medals in the World League. In 2010, he was also world vice-champion. His success at club level is impressive. He is a multiple champion of Cuba, Russia and Italy. He won the Champions League 4 years in a row with Zenit – all four times he was the best scorer, and in the first two he was the MVP of the tournament. Three-time world club champion – in 2017 with Zenit and in 2022 and 2023 . with the Italian “Perugia”. And now – one of the biggest in the volleyball game paid special attention to the future volleyball stars from the “Levski Sofia” tournament.
Before Wilfredo Leon and Alex Grozdanov, the captain and two-time Olympic champion with France Benjamin Toniuti, the Olympic champion with Italy Katerina Bozetti, the coach of the women’s national team of Poland and coach of the Italian “Numia Vero Volley” (Milan) sent messages to the talents from the tournament in Bulgaria. Stefano Lavarini and the Bulgarian national player Radostina Marinova, who plays under his leadership for the European club vice-champions, as well as the world and European champion with Italy and current European club champion with “Itas Trentino” Daniele Lavia.
The Polish “Czestochowa”, the Italian “Diavoli Rosa”, the Russian “Fakel”, the Moldovan “Vulkaneshti” and the Bulgarian CSKA and “Levski” are the participants in the fourth edition of “A1 Stars of the Future” for boys. The Italian “In Volley Piedmont”, the Serbian “Red Star”, the Polish “Solna Wielichka” and the Bulgarian “Maritsa” and “Levski” are the participants for the girls.
Nearly 550 talents – future stars of European and world volleyball – took