Candidates seeking election at Volleyball England AGM 2026

In addition, a number of prospective Delivery Leads have also been put forward for consideration. 

Members will be able to vote on whether these candidates should be elected as proposed at the organisation’s AGM on Saturday 20th June. 

Members can vote by proxy, but this must be received by 5pm on Thursday 18th June 2026. 

Full details on the AGM, including biographies of the Board and Delivery Lead candidates, as well as voting procedures, can be found in the AGM papers by clicking here. 

The AGM will take place at SportPark, Loughborough University, 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough, LE11 3QF, starting at 11.30am. 

Board member candidates 

Katarina Cepinova – An international-grade official whose professional background is in nutrition. She is currently the co-founder of NUTRIBE, a wellness platform offering personalised health and nutrition support.

Julie Kouamo – Originally from France, Julie has played volleyball since the age of 14, including for multiple clubs in London. She currently works as Enterprise Manager at Queen Mary University of London and has a keen interest in diversity and inclusion. 

Sophie Szysko – A former England pathway player and current Super League player, Sophie specialises in risk management and strategic planning in her Vice President role at J.P. Morgan Chase. 

Delivery Lead candidates 

Officials People Delivery Lead 

Richard Burbedge – Involved in volleyball for more than 15 years, shaping his personal and professional journey, Richard was named Referee of the Year in 2016 and as a Grade 1 (National) Referee has spent eight years contributing to the Officials Working Group. 

Lenny Barry – A Grade 1 (National) Referee officiating across Super League, all levels of the National Volleyball League, BUCS, and local leagues. Lenny is a Referee Tutor and serves as Regional Referee Administrator for the North West, while, internationally, he is a CEV Supervisor and FIVB Technical Delegate Assistant. 

Children and Young People Delivery Lead 

Jane Ashbrook – An experienced volleyball player, coach, educator and healthcare professional with a strong commitment to the development of children and young people in sport. She is the Founder and Head Coach of Frodsham Junior Volleyball Club and serves as Secretary and Coach for the North West Volleyball Association. 

Coaching Delivery Lead 

Richard Harrison – A former player who competed at junior, regional, and National Volleyball League level, Richard has over 50 years’ experience as a coach. He is an established tutor and assessor for coaching qualifications and will finish his term of service on the Volleyball England Board, having first joined it in 2018.