Potential excites new Indoor Performance Director Porter

The former Essex Rebels Head Coach will take up his post on 14th April with the brief to implement a high-performance indoor volleyball programme which ultimately delivers success on the international stage. 

Another key goal of the role will be to develop a culture of continuous improvement across pathways and programmes and drive strategic progression and change within the organisation and sport.  

Porter, who has been completing a PHD and pursuing other business interests since calling time on his coaching role at Essex, is excited by the challenge. 

“I think it’s a really great time to be involved in volleyball. Interest in the sport is growing rapidly with more people playing, watching and engaging than ever before,” he said.  

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to help move the sport forwards by building on the fantastic work that has already been done.  

 “The number of new people coming into the sport at the moment is the highest over the last 30 years and we need to take advantage of that.  

 “Everything I have done over the last 20 years has been about developing people and the game on and off the court, that will remain my ethos in this role.” 

 Porter’s appointment will be the third time he has worked for Volleyball England, having been an Administrative Assistant back in 2002 and a Community Coach during the noughties.  

Last season, Essex won the National Cup under his leadership and only fell shy of winning the double in losing 3-2 in the DYNAMIK Men’s Super League Final 4 gold medal match.  

 He added: “In my eyes, the domestic and national set-ups have to work hand in hand. The new players coming through bring huge opportunities, and, as the saying goes, we need as many as possible, for as long as possible in the best environment possible, but equally ensuring they retain a lifelong passion for volleyball. 

“If we can harness and sustain the interest of junior players then it will strengthen the NVL, the Super League and filter through to our National Teams too.  

“Another focus has to be people development. If we can broaden the base of high-level coaches, that will have a positive trickle down effect across the sport. If we can get things right tactically, technically and holistically in developing coaches, it’s going to have a transformational impact.  

“Overall, I believe we need to set a clear shared goal that everyone can get behind and feel empowered by, whilst giving enough flexibility for people to achieve it in their own way.” 

Volleyball England Chief Executive Officer, Charlie Ford, believes Porter is well placed to drive performance forward given his vast knowledge of the domestic English volleyball landscape. 

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Alex Porter as our new Indoor Performance Director. I’m personally very excited to work alongside Alex and to draw on the breadth of experience he brings from his playing career, coaching background and programme development work. 

“Alex’s ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships will be a major asset for us. His passion for developing people, supporting athletes and coaches and creating positive, high-performing environments aligns strongly with what we are looking to achieve within our indoor programme. 

“We’re confident that his leadership, experience and commitment to people development will play a key role in strengthening our performance pathway and programmes at all levels.”