Meet the members of the Foundation Board - Steve Matthews

Why did you join the Foundation Board?

I joined the Board to try and help in developing the help and support of players, volunteers, parents, and anyone who needs help to take part in our sport in any way.

What is you background in Volleyball?

I’ve been involved in Volleyball since I was 11 years old. I first saw the game during the Munich Olympics in 1972 (it was often shown after the swimming where Marc Spitz was a hero at the time)! Since then worn just about every “Cap” possible, player, referee, coach, tutor, statistician, volunteer, board member. And now finally working every day with 53 Federations around the world as their technical help for all things involved on the field of play.

Tell us a bit about your involvement in the development of Volleyball?

For the development of the game I think that there isn’t anything specifically where I can say that was me, as in every case it’s a team game. What I am is the biggest supporter of and have been most involved in is the development of all the field of play technology and especially in the use of match statistics and the amazing information that can be produced from them. Latterly I have been paying attention to Snow Volleyball as the newest variant of the sport. Although the chances of an event in England are virtually zero it’s still a great spectacle and fun to watch. (As a keen skier this is almost the perfect weekend) 😊

What do you want the Foundation to achieve?

I would love the foundation to be successful and be the easily recognised charity arm of the sport. It would be great for others to realise that there is a deep pool of knowledge and experience in the great team involved and this is available at any time. Of course, it would also be a wonderful achievement for the foundation to become a place where people and businesses can donate to help achieve the work we want to do.

How are you helping the Foundation to do this?

I’m trying, like everyone on the Foundation Board to spread the word since the refresh of the Charity last year. Trying to get as many of the Volleyball Family to recognise and support the work of the Foundation and the work being done in the background to promote the journey. The experience in the game and the network in which I work is something that I would be happy to share with anyone who needs it.

What can others do to support the Foundation and out Volleyball Family?

Well of course it goes without saying that any contributions small or large would be gratefully received and put to good use (and there are many ways day to day via things like Amazon Smile etc). But first and foremost, just widespread support from the Volleyball family and the acknowledgement that the Foundation exists would be a great achievement. Support doesn’t have to always be financial, sometimes just a little piece of some bodies busy day to offer advice or help is equally as important and supportive. We ARE a family and the support we offer each other is often overlooked.