A tribute to Alan Bell (Wirral VC)

Founder and Coach of Wirral Volleyball Club, he played an active part in developing junior players right up until his sad passing. 

In national Junior Grand Prix competitions, Wirral finished the 2024-25 season in sixth in the Gold Cup (U15 girls), won the Silver Cup (U16 girls) and were seventh in the Silver Cup (U18 girls).  

Alongside his coaching, Alan also found time to serve as secretary of the Merseyside Volleyball League for more than 45 years and was widely respected across volleyball’s communities, not just locally, but nationally as well. 

He was also actively involved in the North West Regional squads. 

My dad was always passionate about volleyball and its youth development for as long as I can remember,” said Alan’s daughter, Sarah. 

“He made many friends among the way, one of his best being Brian Kendall, who sadly passed a few years ago. 

“Dad would always tell me the progress of the Wirral teams and tournaments he was running when we spoke, and he was really pleased and proud of how the teams progressed this year.” 

Tributes to Alan have poured in on the Volleyball England Facebook page since the news of Alan’s passing was announced, commending his dedication to the sport and his knowledge of it. 

“(Alan was) an absolute leading light in coaching over a lifetime. Especially the coaching of children,” said Tim Clifford, of Bedminster Volleyball Club. “His knowledge and expertise is a huge loss to our sport. 

“The last spoke to Alan at the end of October for over an hour, not about the on-court coaching but about the safeguarding around travel with juniors and the detail of structuring junior competition to correctly facilitate development. He was very much a like-minded thinker! 

“Thank you for all the advice Alan, Rest in Peace.” 

Bryan Youlden said: “Very sad indeed....a man who made a substantial contribution and who challenged a number of aspects of the sport from a considered and well-argued perspectives.” 

Madn Canham added: “Alan introduced volleyball into many schools on the Wirral and helped gain funding to source equipment. He has organised numerous events, Pontins, beach volleyball and regular school tournaments.  

“Both my children have learnt to play through his coaching. I am so grateful for all the opportunities he has provided and very sad to hear this news.” 

Keith Nicholls said: “Alan was the epitome of the founders of grassroots volleyball. Totally committed, unwavering in his determination to encourage and assist young people in finding a healthy and compelling community playing our sport. 

“There are many who have been touched and guided by his involvement in their life and will remember him fondly.” 

And Anna Holsgrove-Smith simply said: “Alan was one of the best and nicest coaches I have ever had. I will miss him greatly.”