Ben Pipes to captain 16-strong Great Britain volleyball squad

Ben Pipes has been named captain of a 16-strong Great Britain volleyball squad as coach Harry Brokking hones his preparations for London 2012.

The veteran Dutch coach has based his decision on the performance of the 27 British players in winter training.

Jason Haldane, 40, returns to the squad after being left out a year ago while Oli Kimber gets his maiden call-up.

The team gained automatic qualification for the Olympics courtesy of Britain's host nation status.

The sport suffered severe funding cuts following a UK Sport shortfall in 2009.

As a result, Pipes, who has 111 caps to his name, and his team-mates were forced to look for professional, paid contracts on the continent.

The squad will return to their Sheffield base next month with British Volleyball set to announce a fixture schedule in preparation for London.

Great Britain squad: Dami Bakare (Argex Duvel Puurs), Peter Bakare (Landstede Zwolle), Nathan French (Avignon), Jason Haldane (CSKA Sofia), Matt Howe (St Brieuc), Dan Hunter (Landstede Zwolle), Oli Kimber (Langhenkel), Chris Lamont (Lyon), Mark McGivern (Avignon), Joel Miller (VBK Klagenfurt), Kieran O`Malley (Abiant Lycurgus), Andrew Pink (Amicale Laique Cantelue Maromme), Mark Plotyczer (St Brieuc), Ben Pipes (Landstede Zwolle), Yassir Sliti (EnBW TV Rottenburg), Danny Weemes (Hylte). Reserve: Jim Miller (Sheffield).