New staff join Volleyball England's Senior Leadership Team

John Forman has been appointed Strategic Manager (Talent) while Matt Halfpenny has taken up the post of Strategic Manager (Digital and Communications).

Both will hope to take key roles in the ongoing implementation of Volleyball England’s strategic plan, The Game Plan.

John has been part of the volleyball world since he started playing for his high school in the USA and soon began coaching.

He has been a respected administrator, starting and running junior clubs, operating significant tournament events and working at the regional level of junior management. 

John has also become heavily involved in coaching education, starting his blog in 2013, which has since served as a platform to connect him with those from across the world who share a passion for volleyball.

It was while pursuing his PhD at the University of Exeter that John came to develop an affinity for the English game, coaching in BUCS, NVL, Student Cup, and Southwest regional competitions, earning Level 3 coaching certification in the process.

The readiness of the volleyball community in England to make him one of their own left a lasting impression, and working for Volleyball England “is a way of giving back” for that acceptance.

“I’m looking forward to working with members of our community around the country to put in place a set of national pipeline systems that accomplish our ambitious player development and national team competitiveness goals,” said John.

“It’ll be a challenge, but with a strong sense of direction, cooperation, a willingness to do things differently in places, and consistent quality communication, I’m confident we can get there.”

Matt has worked in sports communications and media roles throughout his career, having graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Journalism Studies.

He subsequently worked on the sports desks of the Worksop Guardian and Nottingham Post newspapers, being named as Midlands Sports Journalist of the Year in 2011. 

Matt then moved into communications and has worked for County Sports Partnership Derbyshire Sport, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and England Boxing before taking up his new role. 

He said: “I’m excited to work to increase the profile of volleyball across England because it’s a dynamic, fast-paced sport that can be enjoyed by all in its indoor, beach and sitting forms.

“Over the coming months I hope to be able to help bring some of those stories to life across our website, social media and newsletters, to not only help attract new participants, but better engage with those who are already firmly invested in volleyball.”

John can be contacted via j.forman@volleyballengland.org and Matt via m.halfpenny@volleyballengland.org