League ambassadors announced
ecpc Performance League Ambassadors Announced
Setting the Standard. Leading from the Front
As the ecpc Performance League continues to build ahead of the 2026/27 season, the focus is not only on performance, competition, and opportunity—but on people.
Because environments don’t define standards - People do.
And with that in mind, the ecpc Performance League is proud to announce the introduction of Athlete Ambassadors.
🏐 Meet the Ambassadors
The following athletes have been selected as ecpc Performance League Ambassadors for the 2026/27 season:
Ben Lucas
Jordan Dalrymple
James Cox
Emmanuel Oretoye
Each of these athletes has consistently demonstrated the behaviours, standards, and mindset required to help lead the environment—not just through performance, but through how they train, communicate, and support others.
————
🔍 Ambassador Spotlight – Ben Lucas 🔍
Ben Lucas returns to England after multiple seasons competing abroad, bringing with him a wealth of experience from high-level international environments. His exposure to different systems, styles, and standards has shaped him into one of the most technically accomplished athletes within the programme.
Technically exceptional, Ben is an inspiration for aspiring athletes—not because of physical dominance, but because of how he applies his skill, intelligence, and consistency to the game. He proves that performance is not defined by size, but by execution.
⚠️
Small in stature, but packing a mighty punch — and like the postman, he always delivers.
————
🔍 Ambassador Spotlight – Jordan Dalrymple 🔍
Jordan Dalrymple returns to the programme following a short sabbatical, bringing with him a depth of experience built over many seasons competing abroad. Now a stalwart within one of the top clubs in the Super League, he combines that experience with consistency, professionalism, and a calm authority that comes from years at the top end of the game.
Jordan is a true student of the sport—not just in terms of volleyball performance, but in how he approaches training, preparation, and continuous learning. He is constantly looking to understand more, refine more, and improve—both himself and those around him.
He is also a natural mentor within the group. Whether through conversation, example, or quiet guidance, he plays a key role in supporting and developing other athletes in the programme.
⚠️
He may be super old… but that just makes him super wise —
and someone you definitely want on your side of the net.
————
🔍 Ambassador Spotlight – James Cox 🔍
James Cox is one of the most exciting talents in the programme. At just 17 years of age, he already brings a wealth of international experience, having been part of the 2025/26 England U22 side that competed in the CEV European Qualification Competition in Italy.
As a setter, James combines confidence with creativity. He is not afraid to take risks, to vary the tempo, or to challenge blockers with decision-making that goes beyond his years. His ability to read the game, distribute the ball effectively, and keep attackers engaged makes him a constant threat in any offence he runs.
There is a calmness to his play, but also an unpredictability that keeps opponents guessing.
⚠️
Don’t be drawn in by his youthful looks—this athlete knows how to take risks and run an offence that will leave you wondering where it’s coming from next.
————
🔍 Ambassador Spotlight – Emmanuel Oretoye🔍
Emmanuel Oretoye has burst onto the scene and, at just 16 years of age, already shows enormous talent. Tall and still growing, he combines his physical presence with outstanding athleticism to generate remarkable power on the court.
As a hitter, Emmanuel is becoming a real problem for opponents. He attacks with intent, reaches high, and delivers the ball with pace and authority—capable of producing devastating finishes that are difficult to read and even harder to stop. At the same time, he brings balance to his game with a steady and reliable presence in serve receive, showing composure and control well beyond his years.
There is a rawness to his game—but also a clear trajectory.
⚠️
He may get up early for his paper round… but that just means you’ll have to get up earlier if you want to catch him out.
————
🏐 More Than a Role
This is not a title.
It is a responsibility.
The ambassador group has been established to help shape the environment from within—to ensure that standards are not only set, but consistently upheld across every training session, every match, and every interaction.
These are athletes who:
Lead through their actions, not just their words
Set the tone in training and competition
Drive accountability within their teams
Represent the values of the programme on and off the court
They are not separate from the group.
They are embedded within it—influencing, guiding, and reinforcing what good looks like.
🎯 Why Ambassadors Matter
High-performance environments rely on more than coaching.
They rely on ownership.
The introduction of ambassadors creates a layer of leadership within the athlete group that:
Strengthens standards across the programme
Encourages peer-to-peer accountability
Supports a consistent and positive environment
Ensures behaviours match expectations
This is how strong cultures are built—not imposed, but driven from within.
🔴 Setting the Standard for 2026/27
As the ecpc Performance League prepares for its first full season, the ambassador group will play a central role in shaping what the environment becomes.
They will help ensure that:
Standards are visible
Expectations are clear
The environment remains aligned with high-performance principles
And ultimately…
👉 That every athlete entering the league understands what it means to be part of it.
This is about more than leadership.
It is about ownership.
And the standard starts here.