What were your first volleyball experiences, and what drew you in?
My dad used to play when he was in school and university. When I was younger, I played a lot of sports, and during COVID my sister and I tried volleyball with my father coaching us. Just started playing in the garden. Once COVID restrictions were over, we looked for a local club to play at. I was naturally quite good, so we just carried on from there, committing to playing on a weekly basis, aiming to get better and improve.
How did you react to being selected for England U17 at 14?
I was happy, but I also knew that even if I hadn’t been selected, I would have still been okay. I believe that whatever happens is part of Allah’s (SWT) plan and is predetermined as what is right and best for me. I was content that this decision was the correct path for me. Whether I got selected or not, I would have been okay.
What is your proudest volleyball moment?
My proudest moments are the life lessons. I’ve learned that you must stay present, control your emotions, and focus on what you can control, rather than the past or the future. I’ve learned that everything is up to Allah (SWT) and in His hands. I put my faith in Him, play my best volleyball in the present.
How do you see your role on the court?
I see myself as a playmaker. In every rally I touch the ball, and I enjoy distributing it and making decisions about who receives it and when. It feels like a chess game, developing decision-making under pressure.
Who are your sports role models?
Kobe Bryant. I loved his work ethic and his mindset; he believed it was a numbers game, if you train more hours than others, you’re going to succeed. That’s something I discovered when I set my goal two years ago to make the England team. I knew exactly how much I needed to train a week and the required level. I set that goal, and I focused on it and did the work. His mindset helps ground me during tough moments.
What are your long-term goals?
My goal is to be offered a scholarship in the USA. Having my university fees paid without the cost being a burden on my family. I’d also like to go to the USA for the experience and the lifestyle of being a student-athlete, which would be a big challenge that I would enjoy every minute of.
How has volleyball helped you grow?
Volleyball has given me self-reassurance and strengthened my faith in trusting Allah (SWT). I know that whatever happens is all up to Him; He knows what is right and best for me. Volleyball has provided proof of these lessons through real-life experience, making mistakes, not being selected for things, and reinforcing my trust that eventually it will all work out.
As a British Muslim excelling in a less traditional sport for your community, what does it mean to represent both your heritage and your country on the court?
It’s empowering; I feel like a trailblazer. I want to set a clear pathway for others from my background so that they too can achieve the goals they set out. Your race or background does not set you apart or prevent you from achieving the goals you set.
What emotions do you feel representing England?
Fulfilment, contentment, and feeling proud to represent my country.
What does your typical training week involve?
On Mondays, I train twice: first with the U16s, followed by a U18 session in Chelmsford with the England coach, running from 5:45 pm to 9:15 pm. On Tuesdays, I train once, from 8 pm to 10 pm. On Wednesdays, I train with the men’s Essex team from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. On Sundays, I assist in the evening from 5 pm to 8 pm and then train from 8 pm to 10 pm.
How do you balance school, training, and tournaments?
It isn’t easy. I plan my week carefully, and in the times I’m not training, I do my homework.
What key challenges have you faced?
Staying positive and motivated. What fuels me is knowing that pain means progression, putting my trust in Allah (SWT), and knowing He didn’t put me into the world to be average or just ‘good’. To reach my goals, I must become comfortable being uncomfortable. These lessons apply both inside and outside volleyball.
How crucial has your family and community’s support been?
Monumental. The love shown by my family always reassures me that, no matter what, I’ll always have a safe space with them.
Can you explain the importance of your fundraising campaign?
Sadly, volleyball isn’t funded the same way as football, and we must pay for everything, even our kit. The camps, travel, and expenses going overseas and the UK registration fees all add up. I get tremendous support from my Chelmsford and Boswells Volleyball clubs. They help ensure my costs are low but at England level it adds up. I know that without financial support, progress will become difficult.
What’s your advice for young athletes aiming for the national level?
My advice is that no dream is too big. The only way to achieve your goals is through hard work and putting your faith in Allah (SWT).
To help support Ayaan’s England volleyball journey you can donate here:
Photo courtesy of Ayaan Syed
Interview by Elham Asaad Buaras
