Volleyball's inspiring heroes celebrated at Annual Awards 2025

A total of 12 awards where nominations were received have been handed out across a range of categories to the unsung heroes who have made a real difference with their selfless hard work during the past year. 

The presentations were made at a VIP ceremony attended by the Volleyball England Board and other dignitaries, which was held as part of Cup Finals Weekend 2025.

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Watch back streamed coverage of the Annual Awards by clicking here.

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MC Mark Perkins revealed winners in each category from a shortlist of up to three contenders – and they were then paraded and presented to the court 1 crowd at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering ahead of the Men’s National Cup Final between Malory Eagles and Essex Rebels. 

This year’s awards were judged by a seven-strong independent panel of experts drawn from across the sporting community. 

Volleyball England’s Laura Allcoat, Continuum Sport and Leisure’s Ollie Moreton and Active Dorset’s James Ballard were joined by Referee of the Year for 2024 Domenico De Mattia, Bristol Volleyball Club’s Jeremy Harris, Sporting Equals’ Yaegan Gore and Acts of Kindness founder Kerry Snuggs to select the winners.

“The Annual Awards are a small but heartfelt gesture to thank volleyball’s wonderful communities for all the time and energy they pour into the sport,” said Mahek Narnolia, Volleyball England’s Project Lead for Get. Keep. Grow.  

“The nominations for these are a fantastic reminder of the love and passion people have for volleyball, and that there are a whole legion of coaches, referees, volunteers and clubs who put their heart and soul into making volleyball something amazing to be part of. 

“It is truly an honour to recognise some of these incredible contributions, and while not everyone has been able to take home an award, their efforts never go unnoticed!” 

Alongside the awards that received nominations from members, two other people were recognised for their exceptional contributions to volleyball over a long period of time. 

Gillian Harrison was chosen to receive The Peter Wardale Memorial Award by the Heritage Project Core Group for her outstanding and ongoing contribution to the sport of volleyball across many years and in a number of roles. 

Ian Legrand, meanwhile, has been inducted into the Volleyball England Dr Don Anthony Hall of Fame after giving more than 30 years to coaching national team players in both the sitting and indoor disciplines. 

This year’s winners   

Universal Services Coach of the Year for Adults – Luke Wiltshire. 

Coach of the Year for Children and Young People – Caitlin Walsh. 

Young Coach of the Year – Sam Sorsky. 

Referee of the Year – Hiroko Turner. 

Young Referee of the Year – Evelyn Lee. 

Volunteer of the Year – Marcin Pawlowski. 

Young Volunteer of the Year – Benjamin Merry. 

Serena Morten Inclusion Award – Elaine Brown. 

Deep Dish HEVO of the Year – Joelson Santy. 

Huck Nets Club of the Year – Brazukas Universe Sport Club. 

Contribution to Volleyball – Navaz Sutton. 

Unsung Hero – Nicholas Hitt. 

The Peter Wardale Memorial Award – Gillian Harrison. 

Volleyball England Hall of Fame inductee – Ian Legrand.