Budva's juniors won the Montenegrin championship title, once again confirming the dominance of the team from the Montenegrin tourist metropolis, a city that has long been the metropolis of men's volleyball.
In the final match, Miljan Bošković's team demonstrated their talent and quality, defeating Buducnost with the maximum score. Although others are also training seriously and improving, the level set by the team from Budva is still unfathomable for others.
The receiver, 15-year-old Filip Milosavljević, is one of the players who carried the heaviest burden of the championship. The guy who, like several other teammates and peers, has also tasted performances in senior competition, and who wears the jersey of the Montenegrin national team in three different categories (pioneer, cadet, junior), sees the title as an additional incentive for further work.
"The impressions are really fantastic. I am overjoyed that we won the junior title of the Montenegrin champion and that we justified our role as favorites. We knew that it would not be easy, but from the first to the last match we gave our maximum. The whole team was focused, motivated and we played as one. This title is the result of joint effort, work and a good atmosphere in the team. I am proud of my teammates and the coaching staff, we showed that we deservedly are at the top", says Milosavljević for odbojka.me.
Filip Milosavljević's contribution was great.
"I'm happy with my performances, but I always believe I can do better. I tried to give my best in every point, to be stable on the receiving end and confident on the offense. I know that as a receiver I carry a great responsibility, and I'm glad that I managed to help the team when it was needed most. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and that motivates me to continue working and training even harder."
Filip grew up in Budva – he had all the conditions to practice his favorite sport practically in his own backyard from the very first days.
"Volleyball Club Budva means a lot to me. It is not just a club, it is an environment in which I have learned a lot, gained experience that means a lot to me. Budva has been the center of men's volleyball in Montenegro for years and being part of that system is a great honor, but also a responsibility. Every training session, every match carries a special weight because you know that you are representing a club that has high goals and a rich tradition. I am proud to wear the Budva jersey and I do my best to justify the trust of the coach, teammates and fans."
The league part of the EPSG Super League season for seniors, where Budva also dominates, is an ideal training ground for the development of young players. Filip Milosavljević has also been thrown into the fire. And he is not the only one…
"Matches in the senior competition mean a lot to me. It's a huge experience and an opportunity to progress, because I play against older and more experienced players than me. Every minute on the field helps me mature, to learn something new and to see what I need to work on. The enviable minutes give me additional confidence, but also the responsibility to justify the trust placed in me. I am grateful to the coaches for giving me the chance and I try to make the most of it, because I know that such opportunities are not common at my age."
At first glance, everything is ideal, but it seems that something is missing – perhaps a little stronger competition. Both in the senior and junior competitions.
"Strong competition always contributes to the development of both individuals and the entire team. Budva is currently dominating at all levels and this is the result of serious work in the club, but it would certainly benefit all of us if the league was more balanced and we had more difficult and uncertain matches. Such matches force you to play at your maximum, to progress faster and to become mentally stronger. We in Budva try not to fall into our comfort zone and to approach every opponent with maximum seriousness, but stronger competition would definitely raise the quality of the entire league," Milosavljević points out.
There will be competition from next season, and what kind – Budva and Buducnost will play in the regional MEVZA league. Although he is only 15 years old, Filip Milosavljević is ready and waiting for his chance.
"The MEVZA League is a great competition and it would be an honor to be a part of it. Even though I am still young, I see every challenge as an opportunity for progress. The regional league brings better and faster matches, encounters with teams from serious volleyball circles, and that is something that forces you to learn quickly and adapt to a higher level of play. If I get the chance to play in the MEVZA League, I will do my best to justify the trust and show that I can compete in such competition. That is a step up and a great motivation for further work."
Filip and his young teammates have someone to learn from, which is also crucial.
"It's hard to single out just one, because I've learned something from every teammate, but if I had to mention someone, I would say it's our captain Balša Radunović. His approach to training, his calmness in important moments and his professionalism are something that constantly inspires me. He is always ready to give advice, to help the younger ones and with his behavior shows what a real athlete should look like."
Along with all his club and national team volleyball commitments, Filip manages to balance his school commitments.
"It's not easy, but when you love something and have a clear goal, anything is possible. I play for three national teams and a club, which means that training and traveling are almost daily, but I try not to neglect school. Whenever I have a free moment, I use it to study or catch up on what I missed. I also have the support of my family, coaches, and professors who are understanding, and that means a lot to me. It's not easy, but I believe that hard work always pays off and that everything I'm investing now is building my future, both as an athlete and as a person."
French national team member and two-time Olympic champion Ervin N'Gapet is Filip's favorite volleyball player.
"I like his style of play, his confidence and the way he takes responsibility in key moments. He is always motivated, brave and plays with great passion, which further inspires me. I love how he combines technique, strength and attractiveness in his game, he is always unpredictable and it is a real pleasure to watch him. I try to learn from his game to transfer some things to the field in my own way. He is a true role model and motivation for me to constantly work on myself and be as good as possible."
After the pioneer, cadet and junior teams, Filip Milosavljević's natural volleyball path would be the senior national team of Montenegro.
When asked where he sees himself in four years, he answers:
"I would like to play at a high level in a strong European club and be a standard member of the senior national team of Montenegro. Of course, it requires a lot of work, discipline and sacrifice, but I am ready for it. I want to develop as a player and as a person, to constantly improve and learn from the best. My goal is to one day play against those whom I see as role models today and to be shoulder to shoulder with them. I believe in myself and my path, and that with the right work I can make those dreams come true."
Bonus video:
