Neale explains role in Army's take-up of volleyball

The release of the document coincides with the celebration of Volleyball England’s 70th anniversary year, with the organisation starting out as the Amateur Volleyball Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1955. 

Neale, a passionate player, coach and referee and official, is a popular figure among the sitting volleyball community and was officially recognised by World ParaVolley for his contribution over many years in 2020. 

But less known in his efforts to establish volleyball in the army, which he began as a recruitment sergeant in the 1970s. 

Playing for a National League team in Essex, he hit upon the idea of forming a recognised Army team, so advertised through the Soldier magazine and regimentalmedia trying to find anyone that was playing at a reasonable level. 

The first unofficial team entered the "En Tout Cas" Games (now Crown Services) in 1976 at Kirkham Prison, Lancashire. 

After that, Neale cajoled his CO Chris Dunphie to become the first President and set about getting the sport recognised by the Army Sports Control Board. 

Army volleyball is still going strong, with its men's team again entering this year's National Shield draw after a run to the quarter-finals in 2024-25. 

If you want to read the full version of Neale's history of Army volleyball, please click here.