Ferre Reggers is towering at 2.03 metres tall and intimidating as ever with his great ability to attack and block. And this might be the result of his constant focus on working, improving and evolving as a player.

The 19-year-old opposite is one of the top scorers of the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship, averaging 19 points per match.

“I love the game. I have a lot of passion for volleyball, and I just love to play. My friends tell me that I am constantly thinking about volleyball, watching videos and constantly doing exercises. This is my life and I really live for this,” Reggers started.

Even at an early age, he always knew he was destined for something big, and he took every chance to reach a great level.

“I started playing volleyball at a young age. I think to play at the highest level you must start young and learn the basics of volleyball really early,” the 19-year-old said.

“I was about four or five when I touched the ball for the first time. I know that a lot of players started playing volleyball because their parents were great players, but I have no family in volleyball. I just walked to the gym and saw my friends playing and I asked if I could join them. That’s how I started playing.

“I always liked playing volleyball. I knew when I was young, I wanted to become great. I always believed in myself that I could do it. I am not saying that I am there yet, and I still have a lot to grow, but it’s nice to get a lot of chances. I am just trying to take every chance that I get and give my all to the sport. I’ve focused on one sport all my life growing up.”

He discovered his own potential and allowed himself to continue developing it.

“There were various stages when I took it seriously. When I was around nine or 10 years old, I saw that I had some potential and was a little bit better than other players my age. Every year it becomes clearer to me that I have a lot of potential. So, I started thinking and pushed myself more to reach this potential and leave some space to grow in.”

Everything went by so fast, from playing in his hometown club to representing his country in various age group categories down to signing with an Italian club.

“I played with my hometown club Lubbeek. It is close to Brussels. I went to a regular school, and I played there until I was 15. Then I went to a volleyball school in Brussels, so I have a diploma in school and train a lot. I did this for two years, then I moved to a top-level club, Greenyard Maaseik,” he narrated.

“I started with the youth national teams. When you are 14 or 15, they look for players who are a little bit more mature and have potential, so they have a selection to play these tournaments. I joined the senior national team when I was 17 or 18. It’s young but it was also nice that the federation saw my potential and they wanted to invest in me. I’m grateful for this.

“There were a lot of young players and a few experienced players. It’s a good balance on the team. A lot of young players helped to make me feel comfortable because I knew them from the youth selections. The experienced players helped me grow and taught me the small details of the game. For me this is a perfect way to grow even more.

“I signed a contract for two years with Volley Milano. It’s really a big step for me, but I’m really looking forward to it. I know the coach (Roberto) Piazza. I’ve called him a few times, he’s a nice man. He’s the kind of coach that can teach me a lot, not only technically and tactically, but also mentally. It is a chance for me to show myself at the top level in Europe and the world.”

This young Belgian Red Dragon is wise bes and comfortable enough to be himself.

“I stopped studying for a moment. It’s a little bit too much to combine. But I know I will be studying again soon because if you get an injury, you need to have a diploma to do something else,” he said.

“I don’t have a favourite player. I hope I can become a favourite player for the young guys. There’s not one guy I look up to. (Wilfredo) Leon for me is the best player in the world, he’s a different type of player from me, so I’m trying to learn from every great player to create the best version of me.”

2023 FIVB Volleyball Men's U21 World Championship: Full Schedule

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