Lillieshall National Sports Centre: 29 May – 1 June 2026
The 52nd Crown Services Volleyball Championships concluded this weekend at Lillieshall National Sports Centre, with the Army and the Police proving the dominant forces across three tightly contested competitions.
Hosted by the RAF, the four-day event ran from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June and featured men’s, women’s and mixed competitions. The RAF, Navy, Prison Service and Fire Service all performed to a high standard across the weekend, though it was the finals that captured the attention, as Police and Army faced off across all three disciplines.
The women’s competition was the most decisive of the three. A formidable Police team powered their way to a convincing 3-0 victory, leaving little doubt over their superiority on the day. The mixed final was far closer, with each set going to the wire before the Army edged it. The men’s competition followed a similar pattern – evenly balanced in the opening sets before the Army’s superior stamina told in the end, securing them the title.
WOMEN’S – Police
MIXED – Army
MEN’S – Army
One of the weekend’s standout moments came away from the competitive courts. The Army delivered a sitting volleyball demonstration that drew widespread admiration from spectators and fellow competitors alike, serving as an inspiration to all who watched.
Special recognition goes to Team Police Chair Bill Skelly, who made his presence felt both on and off the court, playing in the mixed competition and coaching the women’s team to their successful weekend.
