A KIDDERMINSTER volleyball player has achieved his boyhood dream after making his debut for the England national team.

Neil Masters, who took up the sport when he was a pupil at Sladen Middle School, won his first cap against Scotland in Glasgow earlier this month.

And he made a winning start to his international career as England ran out 3-0, 3-1 and 3-1 winners in their three matches.

It completes a fantastic rise to prominence for the 27-year-old who played for Bewdley Bears and Kidderminster Kestrels and Birmingham during his time growing up in Wyre Forest.

Masters, who also attended King Charles I School, turned out for Stoke Volleyball Club while studying to be a PE teacher at Staffordshire University.

Since qualifying he has moved to Essex and now plays for London Docklands.

Masters's sister Victoria Barlow said the family were delighted with what Neil had achieved after using all of his spare time and resources to pursue his love of the sport, adding: "Playing for England has just topped it all.

His mother Valerie Barlow said he had travelled all across the country for games and tournaments.

"I'm very proud of where he has got to in his volleyball career," she said.

"I would suggest this is purely down to his dedication and love of the sport and sheer determination to succeed to a high quality."