A Period of Uncertainty — But Not Silence
As many will already be aware, there is currently an ongoing Volleyball England investigation connected to my involvement within the sport and the wider discussions surrounding the ecpc Performance League.
At this stage, it would be inappropriate for me to comment in detail on the process itself. What I can say is that the outcome of that process will likely have significant implications for my future involvement within volleyball and whether I am able to continue supporting athletes and helping create opportunities within the sport moving forward. Until that process has concluded, we are not able to progress any further activity connected to the ecpc Performance League.
Equally, I am not prepared to continue investing further personal funds into trying to establish the opportunity whilst that uncertainty remains. That is not written from bitterness, It is simply the reality of the position - I remain hopeful that sense will prevail and that it will be recognised that this was never intended to replace or challenge anything already existing within the sport. In many ways, it was intended to continue and develop activity that is already happening informally — but to elevate it to the next level in a way that, perhaps, has never truly been realised before.
To create an environment that is:
Inclusive
Challenging
Sustainable
Athlete-focused
And built around opportunity and performance
The response from athletes has made one thing undeniable - There is appetite for more. This is not entitlement, not rebellion - just athletes wanting more accountable opportunities to train, compete, develop, and express themselves within meaningful performance environments with their peers to support and challenge each other. To the more than 150 athletes who registered interest… and to the thousands of people who engaged with, shared, commented on, and supported the conversation across social media…
Thank you, your support and messages genuinely mean a great deal.
You energise me.
You motivate me.
And most importantly, they reinforce that people within the game care deeply about creating better opportunities for athletes. I have heard you and I genuinely want to make a positive difference. For now, the process must take its course but regardless of where things eventually land, I hope the conversation that has started does not disappear - because the athletes have spoken clearly.
And when athletes speak that loudly, perhaps the most important thing we can do is listen.