Black History Month - Ucal Ashman on his record-breaking career

Ucal Ashman’s record-breaking stat is a fitting place to start - he holds the record for the most international caps of any male English player with 165 appearances, across a storied career of 12 years. 

His career began at Speedwell school, where he was influenced by Ray Tingley, and other teachers at the school to pick up the sport. Ucal has been described by Ray himself as “a gentleman on court, who both loved spectators and were loved by them.”

Ucal made it to the England Juniors by 1974, and made his first cap for England in 1976, where they played Scotland in the British Caledonian Cup and won 3-1. He was considered a mainstay in the England Senior Men’s team by 1978. 

The same year, a Centre of Excellence - a facility designed to bridge the gap between academic study and elite athlete training - was established at Bristol Polytechnic (now known as the University of the West of England),  and Ucal was one of the first six members. 

It’s believed that the two years he spent here contributed to his high leap and tactical awareness of the game, qualities that set him apart.

By 1980, Ucal had returned to Speedwell Volleyball club and formed part of the dynasty that reigned over English volleyball in the 1980s.

Speedwell finished in the top two of the England National Volleyball League title (now Super League) for seven seasons in the decade, winning the title four times in 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1987 and finishing runners up a further three times in 1985, 1986 and 1990.

It was during this time Ucal would achieve his 60th England cap by the age of 23 and his 165th and final cap, which came in 1987 against Scotland in the BVF Tournament in Belfast. 

Ucal’s career would take a brief pause after he tore an Achillies tendon in 1988, but he would return to high level volleyball, playing for Redwood Lodge in 1990 - frequent challengers at the top end of English volleyball.

When asked about his career and the significance of it, Ucal said: “The opportunity to play for England was the pinnacle of my volleyball career, as well as to hold on to my position for the best part of 12 years, whilst there were other players out there looking to get my position.

“Being given the captaincy made it even more special.

“The opportunity to travel and compete in different countries was always special, always came back with memories, good or bad. Entry into the Guninness Book of Records was recognition for my hard work at that point in time.”

As England’s most experienced international player, he was asked if he had any advice to share with those chasing the same glory. His first answer was “Determination”.

He added: “Work harder than your competitors. Unless you’re being paid, prepare to go hungry and short of money, because it’s being eaten up by your commitment.

“At times you have to be selfish, [but that’s] part of being focused. Play your sport because you love it, anything else that follows is a bonus.”

When asked about Black History Month’s theme “Honouring Our Communities", he said: “This year’s theme is very important to me. 

“It’s something I believe in - mentoring and giving advice to anyone regardless of their ethnicity, I find very rewarding.

“My brother is also a Hall of Famer in rugby, so hard work in sports came natural to us.”

Additional information sourced through the Hall of Fame and Heritage projects.

You can find out more about Black History Month 2026 here.