After a summer back in Perth undergoing medical treatment for an ankle injury, local volleyballer Matt Hender will head to Switzerland to join Einsiedeln VBC who play in the Swiss NLA – the National League . Hender played in Finland over the 2013/14 northern winter season, and prior to that in Sweden. He forms part of an elite group of young WA volleyballers who are playing on the international stage.

Hender is looking forward to the challenges of moving to Switzerland and getting to know his new team mates, most of whom he is not familiar with but is excited to get to know them and to be a part of a the Swiss NLA.

“Coming back from a sporting injury has been hugely difficult but it has made me more determined than ever to return to elite sport. I think because I’ve had to be patient, work through the rehab and keep motivated it has matured me as a player.

“I’m always grateful for all the support my parents and friends have given me as they have helped me get back to form. Like the parents of other athletes they sacrifice a lot to keep me going and I really appreciate that.

“I’m also passionate about being an ambassador for VWA. I want to see volleyball in WA grow and develop and I want people to enjoy the sport as much as I do “.

Hender’s current schedule includes 25 hours of strength and conditioning and another four sessions a week of on court training – as well as trying to study and ‘live like a normal 23 yr old’

The Einsiedeln VBC club is based in Einsiedeln, close to Zurich. The first game of the season is at the end of September.