The best of volleyball celebrated at Annual Awards 2026 ceremony in Loughborough 

Coaches, officials, volunteers and clubs were among those recognised in 11 categories during a ceremony held at the Martin Hall, Loughborough University as part of Cup Finals Weekend. 

Amid a vibrant atmosphere, the finalists were joined by their family and friends – as well as members of the Volleyball England board and other dignitaries from the volleyball fraternity – for an afternoon of celebration, pride and well‑deserved recognition. 

This year’s 121 nominations were whittled down to a shortlist of 32 by a panel of seven independent judges, with a maximum of three contenders in each category. 

The Awards ceremony, presented by Mark Perkins, preceded the Women's National Cup Final between Durham Palatinates and Malory Eagles UEL. 

Category awards winners were then paraded on the court in between sets to allow them to take the applause of an appreciative crowd. 

Alongside the judged awards, Roy Pankhurst was selected by the Heritage Project Core Group to receive the Peter Wardale Award in recognition of his outstanding and ongoing contribution to the sport of volleyball across many years. 

Volleyball England would like to thank all the judges for taking the time to read through and judge the fantastic nominations. 

The panel was drawn from both within and outside the sporting community and made up of Klaudia French, Grant Eager, Roberto Rigante, Luke Wiltshire, Alton Brown, Paula Dickens and Michaela Willis. 

“This year’s awards are a powerful reminder that our sport is built not only on talent and results, but on the countless hours, passion and dedication given so generously by so many, often behind the scenes and in a voluntary capacity,” said Charlie Ford, Chief Executive of Volleyball England. 

“To those who were shortlisted, and especially to our winners, congratulations on your well-deserved recognition. You represent the very best of our volleyball community. 

“But the awards also belong to the many unsung heroes whose quiet commitment keeps our sport thriving... coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters who give their time and energy simply for the love of the game. It is because of you that volleyball continues to grow, inspire, and bring people together. 

“A special tribute goes to Roy Pankhurst, recipient of this year’s Peter Wardale Memorial Award, in recognition of his outstanding and longstanding contribution to volleyball in England. 

“Although Roy could not be with us in person, having had the privilege of spending time with him last year, I know how much this honour will mean to him and how richly he deserves it.” 

To read the stories and impact all the winners and finalists have had on the sport, click here. 

Full list of Annual Awards winners: 

• Coach of the Year (Children and Young People) - Gianni Sutton (Horsham Redstars Volleyball Club).

• Coach of the Year (Adults) - Mihail Stoev (London Giants Volleyball Club).

• Young Coach of the Year - Hoi Pui Leung (Lionhearts London Volleyball Club).

• Referee of the Year - Katarina Cepinova. 

• Young Referee of the Year - Zachary Johnson (Strood Volleyball Club) 

• Volunteer of the Year - Rachel Noka (Cambridge Volleyball Club) 

• Young Volunteer of the Year - Kiera Delahay (Loughborough Students Volleyball Club) 

• HEVO of the Year Award - Joshua Joseph-lyanda (SHEVO – Eastern). 

• Contribution to Volleyball Award - Phil Cobb (Hermitage Volleyball Club) 

• Unsung Hero Award - Andre Castro (Roots Volleyball Club). 

• Club of the Year - Portsmouth Phoenix Volleyball Club 

• Peter Wardale Memorial Award - Roy Pankhurst.