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In this episode of Digging Deeper, I’m joined by Alex Porter, one of the most influential figures in English volleyball.

Alex’s journey through the sport is hard to sum up in just one role. He has captained Team GB, played overseas in Sweden and Austria, coached, led clubs, launched programmes, organised camps, supported athletes into university opportunities, and now plays a key role in shaping the future of indoor volleyball as Volleyball England’s Indoor Performance Director.

But what really stands out about Alex is that he has always been a builder.

He has built teams, clubs, cultures, programmes, pathways and opportunities. From helping grow Tendring Volleyball Club from one team to nine, to launching Essex Rebels and contributing to major success across NVL, Super League, BUCS and student volleyball, Alex has consistently shown what is possible when ambition, people and long-term thinking come together.

In this conversation, we dig deeper into Alex’s early journey in volleyball, his experiences as a player and leader, his move into coaching, the development of Essex Rebels, the lessons he has learned from building successful environments, and his new role with Volleyball England.

We also explore what he sees as the biggest opportunities for indoor volleyball in England, why player and coach pathways matter, and what needs to happen next if the sport is going to continue to grow.

Alex brings so many stories, insights and reflections from a life in the game. His commitment to volleyball, his understanding of people, and his willingness to do things differently really come through in this episode.

A brilliant conversation with someone who has given so much to the sport, and is still helping build what comes next.

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