Matt Rogers a journey from Volleyball England to the CEV and back to Cornwall and the family.
1. How did you first get involved in Volleyball?
Like many others, because I was tall. Back at College there were a number of good Volleyball players that were slightly older than me who played at lunchtimes and they would pick out the tall kids from the year below to make the numbers up to 12. It has gradually taken over my life since then… Also, as I recently admitted on CEV’s new Podcast “The Ace Space”, the fact it was a chance to play sport with the college girls may also have been a factor…
2. What has been your highlight - something you are proud of?
This has got to be London 2012 - not just the event itself but the entire build up as well. Seeing London come to life and open its doors to the world, as well as experiencing the team preparations through Sanne, was incredible. Oh how times have changed…
Back in 2007 I took the decision to pursue a role at the Olympics instead of going into teaching – seeing it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Looking back now, my involvement went far beyond any prior expectation and working at LOCOG was an experience and privilege that I will never forget. The fact that there were players representing Great Britain at the Olympics that were part of my first ever UKSGs event, and then players that I recruited for the Sitting Volleyball teams in the Paralympics, was just the icing on the cake.
Delivering the stage for my now wife to perform at her peak for The Netherlands is something that I don’t think will ever be topped.
3. What is it about working in volleyball that you enjoy?
Making a difference. I heard something recently that has really resonated with me… “effective people are motivated by forward momentum”. And I believe (hope) this is the case with me. From a young age of playing Volleyball down in Cornwall I saw so much potential with the sport and it is pleasing to do my part in realising this. I have met so many great people, worked with some amazingly talented colleagues, and most days it has not really even felt like work. Because if there is nothing you’d rather be doing, then is it actually work?
4. Can you give us a little insight into your employment in Volleyball - first with VE and then with CEV? What has been your favourite project or programme and why?
I look back on my career as split into different periods. Leading on the launch and implementation of the UK School Games, a multisport event for young talented performers, was a great introduction to professional events and sports management. A key part of this role was working across the Home Nations to develop the player pathway and to this day remember vividly the road trip around Wales in my little Ford Fiesta to try and kick-start the Federation again.
Next was a “crash course” [obviously no pun intended] in Sitting Volleyball where I was charged with establishing a club network and competition outlet, as well as reinvigorating the British men’s team and pulling together the first ever women’s performance programme.
Then there was the year that was 2012… Following that we travelled and whilst on a remote island in Thailand heard about the opportunity of joining CEV. I started leading the Competition Department but after a few years living in Luxembourg we decided that we wanted to start a family and raise the children back in Cornwall. So at point I switched to Communications and started commuting each week… so as you can imagine my life is slightly simpler right now!
It is difficult to pick my favourite time, however my time in Sitting Volleyball was where I was challenged and subsequently learnt the most. It also led me to my wife and many lifelong friends so I’ll go with that experience as topping the list.
5. What impact has COVID had on you and the CEV?
When all the competitions stopped we obviously lost all our streams of content, so quickly launched our #PasstheTime initiative utilising our archive and focusing on the unprecedented access that we had to coaches and players – who suddenly found themselves with lots more spare time for media activities. The majority of the office worked from home for a couple of months and we are hoping to get Beach up and running in July and start the EuroVolley Qualifiers at the end of August. Fingers crossed the European Cups can start on time come Autumn, and then 2021 is going to be a mega year for Volleyball.
6. What are you most looking forward to after we get back to the new normal?
This is a difficult question for me, as we have really enjoyed “lockdown”. Working from home has been a breath of fresh air and being at the dinner table each night has been amazing. The weather has been glorious and working on the house as well as getting out to “exercise” around Cornwall as a family has been great fun. The kids have even stopped asking when I am next flying… I am also not sure the new normal is anything to look forward to as even when I can travel to Luxembourg the thought of 10 hours in a face mask is not overly appealing! Only time will tell what the future holds.
