Annual Awards 2026 Judges

Roberto has been a long-standing part of England’s volleyball community, with extensive experience as both a player and a Volleyball and Beach Volleyball referee. He has officiated and supported the sport across major events including the Commonwealth Games, Cup Finals, the UK Beach Tour, and local competitions, bringing consistency, fairness, and passion to every role. 

“Volleyball is more than a sport to me, it’s my community. I’m excited to bring a player’s empathy and a referee’s consistency to the judging panel.” 

“Being part of the judging panel for the Volleyball England Annual Awards 2026 is genuinely exciting. Reviewing nominations is a privilege and a reminder of how important it is to recognise the people who have truly distinguished themselves through their dedication, passion, and contribution to our volleyball community."

"Sharing nominations is caring. Take a moment to nominate those who inspire, support, and elevate our sport because recognising each other's impact helps our whole volleyball community grow."

Luke Wiltshire

Luke Wiltshire has been involved in England Volleyball for many years, with experience across playing, coaching, refereeing, media, and leadership. As host of 'That Volleyball Guy' podcast and Chairperson of Hampshire Volleyball Association, Luke is passionate about growing the game, supporting coaches and athletes, and celebrating the people who make volleyball thrive at every level. 

"Volleyball is built on people. I am proud to be part of a judging panel that recognises the commitment, impact, and stories behind the sport."

"I'm really honoured to be selected as part of the panel for the Volleyball England Annual Awards. Having won Coach of the Year last. year, I know how brilliant the event is and how powerful it is to recognise the people who give so much to help our sport grow and move forward. Through my podcast, I get to hear so many inspiring stories from across the volleyball community, so it's great to see peope being celebrated for the impact they make." 

"I'd love to encourage as many people as possible to get nominating! We all know those people in our community who give so much without ever asking for recognition. If someone has made a difference to you or your club, this is the oment to shout about it. Nominate them and let's celebrate the brilliant people wh omake volleyball what it is."

Alton Brown 

Alton is a purpose-driven leader with nearly two decades of experience using sport to empower young people and communities. As Strategic Lead for Place at the Active Partnerships National Organisation, he works nationally to tackle inequalities and create opportunities for more active lives. A former England and Jamaican Karate captain, Alton brings deep insight into athlete development, leadership, and inclusion. 

"Sport has the power to change lives when it's inclusive, intentional, and community-led. I'm proud to help recognise those making that impact."

"I'm so excited to be joining Volleyball England as a judge for the 2026 Annual Awards. I'm always inspired by the power of sport to uplift communities, create connection, and support positive destinations for those involved. Awards like these are vital in recognising outstanding contributions, and I look forward to playing a role in celebrating the incredible volunteers who go above and beyond for the volleyball community."

"As a former athlete, I know how valuable it is to have people in your sports community go above and beyond to support your journey. As a judge for the Volleyball England Annual Awards 2026, I can't wait to recognise and celebrate the incredible volunteers who do exactly that. If someone in your club or community has made a real difference to your journey in the sport, I encourage you to nominate them and help shine a light on the impact they're having."

Paula Dickens

Paula discovered volleyball in France where she played at school and club pre-national level, before bringing her passion for the sport to the UK. Since arriving, she has remained deeply involved as a player, junior coach, school voluneer, and supporter of young athletes, inspired further by watching her daughter thrive in the game. 

"Volleyball is about people as much as performance. I love supporting development at every level and celebrating the communities that help the sport grow."

"I'm honoured to be selected as a judge for Volleyball England's Annual Awards 2026. This role is an opportunity to give back to a sport and community that have given me so much. From my first training session to now watching my daughter thrive in the sport, and still playing myself, volleyball has been a constant source of joy, connection, and growth."

"As a judge, I'm committed to recognising the dedication, passion, and achievements that often go unnoticed. Whether it's the volunteer who sets up nets every week, the coach who inspires juniors, or the player who embodies sportsmanship, every contribution matters. I bring fairness, cultural awareness, and a genuine appreciation for the diverse ways people strengthen our volleyball family. I can't wait to celebrate the incredible individuals who make our community vibrant."

Michaela Willis 

Michaela brings extensive leadership experience as both an executive and non-executive board director, alongside her work as a senior lecturer and investigator. 

With a strong background in supporting and working with volunteers, she is deeply embedded in the volleyball community as a team manager, Chair of the South West Volleyball Association, and a committed parent supporting her daughter's volleyball journey. 

"I value the dedication of volunteers and leaders who keep the sport moving forward, and I'm passionate about recognising the impact they make at every level."

"Serving as a judge for the Annual Award is indeed a heartfelt honour and a privilege. With over 30 years of working in the voluntary sector, I am committed fair evaluation whilst honouring the skill, effort, and sportmanship of people across the volleyball community."

"The beating heart of the volleyball community is the incredible people and clubs and associations who give thier time, energy, and passion to make the game thrive. From dedicated coaches and officials to inspiring players, volunteers, and real behind-the-scenes champions, these are the individuals who deserve to be celebrated."

"Annual Awards nominations are now open, and we encourage you to take a moment to recognise a peer who has made a real impact this year. If someone has inspired you, support others, or gone above and beyond for volleyball, don't assume someone else will nominate them, your nominations matters."