Life as a National Team Manager - Ashley washing kit at 2 in the morning.
1. When were you first introduced to volleyball?
I started volleyball quite late. I was 17 and had a new sports teacher at my grammar school. I was playing football for the school team and was also part of the county team at tennis; I think that was more to do with my height and having a relatively big serve. The sports teacher was Martin Bart who was part of the GB squad. Let’s just say he ‘persuaded' me to take up volleyball as he believed there was more potential than in my other sports and this was confirmed when I was somehow dropped for both! I trained three times a day, five days a week, and (probably due to my height) I got accepted into the U19 and then U21 squad. Then I progressed into the senior team. Nothing spectacular compared with some other people but I really enjoyed my playing career.
It’s even fair to say that when I moved from Nat West Bank to work for IBM, I did it for the most bizarre reason; I was being paid by IBM to coach their teams and most of my friends were IBMers. At that time, I was still young and wasn’t so career focused as I ultimately became. It seemed the right thing to do and I have now been involved with running the IBM Summer Volleyball Tournament for the last 36 years. Unfortunately, as with all other sports, we have been hit this year with Covid-19.
In addition to the above, I am chair of Hampshire Volleyball Association and I coach both Universities of Portsmouth and Southampton.
2. How did you get involved as a manager of a National team?
So, after 40+ years, nearing the end of my working career, my son, Josh Green was part of the U17 and U19 squads, as a setter. Initially, he played for New Forest, then Richmond, and more recently Urbond. So, I came into close contact with Luis Bello and Clayton Lucas; inspirational characters and coaches.
I have always believed in ‘giveback’ and there was a vacancy for a Team Manager, so I applied. I knew I had their backing, I just needed to convince the management at Volleyball England (primarily Gillian Harrison), but she has been really supportive.
3. What has been the biggest challenge in this role?
I see my role as working with the athletes (I never refer to them as ‘kids’), their parents and the coaches. I am the conduit. I want to understand what makes them tick. Many of the squad relate to me; others are more cautious, which i understand. I feel that representing the national team is a real honour and I see my role as part of the athletes’ development into young adults. In this respect, I am delighted to be part of that progression. But, probably the biggest challenge so far has been trying to get kit washed and dried at 02:00 at the Cornacchia Cup in Italy last year!
4. What has been your proudest moment?
I am a very proud and passionate person. It used to get teased by some of my England team mates when the National Anthem was played. I would be that person who belted out ‘God save the Queen’ with as much energy as I could muster. I am equally proud of seeing our athletes growing into young men and I strongly believe that volleyball is a family and I have met some great people.
5. Covid 19 has stopped playing and training so how have you been keeping in touch with your players?
Throughout my time as Team Manager, we have maintained a What’s App group. We use it at national camps to update people on where to be, at what time, what to wear etc.. We have also used it during Covid-19 to recommend fitness regimes. Obviously, some are better than others at following instructions! But, we need to be prepared for when we get back to training. I am also keeping in contact with the parents.
6. What are you and the team looking forward to once the lockdown is over?
Frankly, I can’t wait to get back to training with the athletes. I am also part of the Competitions Group and we are not sure yet where we stand with NVL, NEVZA etc., but I hope we can get back to competing soon. For people at this age, it is important. I don’t want anyone to be held back in their volleyball careers.
Thank you Ashley.