Colin, old school PE teacher on the side of the underdog!

1 How were you first introduced to Volleyball?

Introduced to volleyball......after achilles tendon injuries curtailed my athletics career. Following surgery, I accepted a Head of PE job at a N. Staffs High School, 1974. After one year, I aimed to introduce a more varied curriculum - incl. volleyball. To understand the sport, I attended all the games at the Spring Cup, Nottingham, 1976, with a focus on team formations and individual roles.

2.What was the most difficult skill to master on court?

The skill of coaching - managing each player as an individual, with a focus on basic patterns of play and the vision of being the best you can be, leading to a winning mentality.

3.What makes you most proud of our Volleyball Family?

Volleyball is a minority sport(still!!) in the UK - an 'underdog'. I like 'underdogs'....very much! Our game was all inclusive long before the 'major' UK sports included, for example, the female game equal to that of the male. Genuine people are involved - after all, there is no money in volleyball. Despite many setbacks, the Volleyball Family battles on.

4. What was your greatest Volleyball achievement?

Sorry......more than one......

GENERAL: to be part of a group that has given opportunities to so many youngsters, always striving to set high standards. Surviving 25 years as Chair of Newcastle, Staffs!

SPECIFIC: coach at the 1984 ISF World U/19 Boys Championships, in Israel, where we reached the semi-final, to acheive an historically significant position in the development of English volleyball.....plus many age group National titles in the early 1980s.

FAMILY: assistant coach 2005 - 2011, to support son, Will, in his many boys age group National titles and Euros 2010 & 2011.

5. What are you missing most during the lockdown?

Missing social interaction, particularly pub singing! Our evenings were fully booked in this very active Cornish village(Mullion). Miss travel, especially to our family.

6, What are you looking forward to most once the lockdown is over?

Social interaction will be enjoyed like never before, plus the chance to visit our sons and their families. Grandchildren can grow up quickly, and 'Zoom' sessions to keep in touch cannot replace playing and hugging! I look forward to FULL LIFE again........Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind. So, LOOK to the FUTURE.