Have any question?
US Office +1 (816) 616 2298
Main Campus +39 06 9762 5083
info@romecityinstitute.com
US Office +1 (816) 616 2298
Main Campus +39 06 9762 5083
info@romecityinstitute.com
Train and compete in a professional academy environment led by Head Coach Djordje Novakovic, with a 9-month season that runs from September to May and full exposure to the Italian club system, all while completing a full academic course load in Rome.
Rome City Institute is a professional volleyball academy where student-athletes keep growing as players and individuals while getting maximum exposure to Italian clubs. With a season running from September through May, athletes train like professionals, play at their full potential, and get the exposure they need to sign with an Italian club.
Born in Serbia, Djordje has been playing volleyball since childhood. He competed in college volleyball in the United States, graduating with a major in Sport Studies and a minor in Psychology from Trinity College, and played professionally in Serbia. After studying, playing, and coaching in the States, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Sports Management & Coaching at Rome City Institute, where he became a licensed volleyball coach in Italy and Europe. He relocated to Rome and became head coach of the volleyball academy in July 2024, supported by two assistant coaches who ensure student-athletes receive continuous technical instruction, tactical guidance, and individualized support.
The volleyball program is designed to integrate seamlessly with students’ academic commitments, ensuring balance between classes, practice, and athletic development.
Morning workout session at the on-campus gym, focused on strength & conditioning.
Morning practices focused on skill development, game tactics, and team training.
Evening sessions with local partner clubs, allowing student-athletes to train in the official Italian system.
Training sessions take place at Pala Aurelio, a volleyball facility in the Cornelia area of Rome equipped with quality courts, about 15 minutes walking from the student apartments or 20 minutes by metro from the main campus. Athletes also benefit from the full resources of the main campus, including the strength & conditioning gym and physiotherapy & recovery center shown below, both integrated into their training routines.
Student-athletes at Rome City Institute compete across different levels of play, gaining exposure both internally and within the Italian club system.
Sign with Italian clubs and compete in official Serie C and Serie D leagues, regional leagues governed by the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) as part of a promotion and relegation system that can lead to Serie B, Serie A2, and Serie A1.
Rome City Institute organizes men’s and women’s teams that compete in the CSI regional tournament. These are more inclusive competitions that provide additional match experience in a supportive setting.
An internal Rome City tournament where men’s and women’s teams compete together, designed to enhance team spirit and provide additional match play throughout the academic year.
Why the Italian club system matters: unlike the U.S. college system, which is limited to university competition, the Italian volleyball club system is professional and merit-based. Players who excel can progress through the ranks, from regional leagues like Serie D and Serie C up to Serie B and eventually the professional levels of Serie A2 and Serie A1, offering a clear, results-driven pathway into professional volleyball while still pursuing an education.
A snapshot of Rome City Institute volleyball student-athletes placed with Italian clubs.
“I have been playing volleyball at Rome City for 3 years now, where I have gained international experience, received the highest support, and have bettered myself as a player and a person. European/Italian volleyball in itself is quite different, and it has allowed me to grow and improve as a player. I have also been fortunate enough to maintain a position in a Serie C club each year I have been here.”
Are you ready to become a Rome City Lion?
At Rome City we are looking for students who are willing to think outside the box and prepare themself for a professional journey in a rapidly changing world.