Ray Capewell from Broughton Astley, Leicestershire has been given Volleyball England’s Services to Refereeing Award (sponsored by Kitlocker, the countries leading supplier of kit for volleyball and other sports and club merchandise).

This prestigious Award is designed to give recognition to a referee for their contribution and dedication to volleyball and the development of refereeing in England. Volleyball England received numerous strong nominations for this Award from across the country.

Ray was selected as recipient of the Award by an independent panel comprised of well respected sports professionals from a number of organizations.

Ray stood out due to the fact has been an active referee for both volleyball and beach volleyball for over 35 years. He is very well respected by the players, and other referee colleagues. He has also been involved in the training and support of the Beach National Technical Official Programme for London 2012, and has actively encouraged the National Technical Officials to take up refereeing on the Beach, thus being very instrumental in the legacy for the sport. Ray has helped and encouraged many referees over the years, and his passion for the game has never diminished, he still enjoys the challenge of a well contested game of volleyball, and still expects very high standards of himself.

Ray was presented with the Services to Refereeing Award at the Volleyball England Annual Awards Evening at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering. Awards were presented by Audrey Cooper (GB Women’s Coach) and Harry Brokking (GB Men’s Coach).