Regional Volunteer Awards 2026: East

This weekend we celebrated the amazing volunteers in the East at our 2026 Regional Volunteer Awards! It was great to celebrate the region's volunteers and recognise their incredible dedication and impact to the sport.

A huge congratulations to all of the nominees and winners - let's get to know our volunteers!

Club of the Year

Winner: Cambridge and Coleridge Athletic Club

Cambridge & Coleridge AC has combined outstanding competitive success with a deeply inclusive and community-focused approach to athletics. The club has grown from around 650 members in 2022 to more than 900 in 2025, creating opportunities across junior, senior, masters and disability athletics while ensuring every member feels valued and supported. Innovative initiatives addressing female participation, diversity and inclusion have strengthened the club culture, while investment in coaching across multiple disciplines has broadened opportunities for athletes. Alongside national success, including National Road Relay and Frostbite League victories, the club continues to develop volunteers, support athletes through financial assistance and create an environment where participation, wellbeing and achievement can thrive together.

Second place: Chelmsford Athletic Club

Chelmsford AC has demonstrated a strong commitment to athlete development, volunteer growth and creating opportunities across all age groups. Significant expansion of its junior section, including a thriving junior development squad and successful pole vault programme, has helped introduce more young people to athletics. The club has invested heavily in coach and official development, funding qualifications for young athletes and creating pathways from participation into volunteering and coaching. Alongside excellent facilities, strong governance and an active social calendar, Chelmsford AC continues to promote a welcoming environment where members can develop both athletically and personally. Its focus on sustainability and progression ensures a positive future for the club and its athletes.

Third place: Luton Athletic Club

Luton AC has continued to demonstrate how athletics can bring together people from diverse backgrounds through a shared passion for sport. Based in one of the country's most deprived communities, the club remains committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can participate, compete and thrive. Through investment in coaching, volunteer development, improved facilities and strong community partnerships, the club has strengthened its long-term sustainability while maintaining opportunities across track and field, road running and cross-country competition. Its success in financial recovery, facility advocacy and athlete development reflects a club that places equal value on participation, performance and community impact.

Unsung Hero of the Year

Lisa Richards

As Club Secretary and the driving force behind countless aspects of Watford Harriers, Lisa Richards is at the heart of everything the club does. Despite working full-time and raising two daughters, she can regularly be found at the clubhouse multiple evenings a week and most weekends, ensuring events, competitions and club activities run smoothly. From managing the club kit shop and refreshment stalls to supporting new members, comforting nervous athletes and coordinating EYAL teams, Lisa does it all with warmth and compassion. Often described as the club’s “mum”, her selfless dedication, organisation and care have helped create a welcoming, thriving environment for athletes, families and volunteers alike.

Adam Hills

Adam Hills has transformed opportunities for runners across Bedford Harriers and Stewartby Striders through his commitment to inclusion, coaching and community development. As Group Coach and Head Coach, he leads sessions, organises Couch to 5K programmes, mentors new run leaders and creates welcoming opportunities for runners of all abilities. Adam has continually invested in his own development, gaining coaching qualifications, becoming a Run Leader Mentor and training as a Mental Health Champion. Drawing on his own experience of hearing impairment, he is passionate about accessibility and has supported runners with disabilities alongside complete beginners, helping many achieve goals they never believed possible.

Debbie Newell 

Debbie Newell plays a vital role in creating the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that defines Stewartby Striders. As a Run Leader and Core Team Member, she organises social runs, parkrun meet-ups and club events that bring members together and strengthen community spirit. Her encouragement is particularly valued by newer runners, where her calm and approachable manner helps build confidence and reduce anxiety. Debbie consistently supports training sessions, Couch to 5K groups and wider club initiatives, while continuing to develop her own coaching skills. Her enthusiasm, reliability and commitment have helped create a stronger, friendlier and more connected club community.

Steve Lott

As both Chairman and coach at Harlow AC, Steve Lott gives countless hours to supporting athletes and growing the club. Alongside regular training sessions, he voluntarily delivers additional sprint and hurdles coaching at weekends, ensuring athletes have every opportunity to develop and succeed. Steve is a constant presence at competitions, providing technical guidance, encouragement and reassurance to athletes and families. His leadership has helped create a welcoming environment where every athlete is valued regardless of age, ability or background. Beyond performances, he instils respect, discipline and teamwork, helping young athletes develop as people as well as competitors.

Fraser Watts

For more than 15 years, Fraser Watts has been the driving force behind West Suffolk Athletics Club, balancing the demanding roles of Chairman, Jumps Coach and Team Manager simultaneously. He dedicates thousands of volunteer hours to supporting athletes, coaches and the wider club community, always putting others before himself. Fraser’s influence extends far beyond coaching, helping shape a culture built on excellence, support and inclusivity. He regularly takes on additional responsibilities when colleagues need assistance and has shown extraordinary personal generosity in supporting fellow volunteers through difficult times. His leadership, commitment and compassion have left a lasting and immeasurable impact on the club.

Denis Costello

Having devoted nearly 50 years to athletics, Denis Costello continues to make an extraordinary contribution to the sport as a coach, mentor, official and volunteer. A former elite athlete, Denis now leads combined events coaching at City of Norwich AC, supports the England Athletics talent pathway and coaches athletes at the University of East Anglia. Whatever the weather, he can be found at the track helping athletes refine their skills, achieve their potential and navigate their development journeys. His commitment has helped retain and develop generations of young athletes while also mentoring the next generation of coaches, creating a lasting legacy across Norfolk athletics.

Amber Smith

When both the Chair and Vice Chair stepped down unexpectedly, Amber Smith took on the leadership of Ipswich Jaffa RC at a critical moment and has guided the club with energy, positivity and determination ever since. Alongside caring for her young son, she has overseen club administration, organised races, coordinated volunteers, led social and mental wellbeing initiatives and helped keep members connected through newsletters and events. Amber's leadership has strengthened both participation and community spirit, while her cheerful attitude and willingness to volunteer wherever needed have inspired others to get involved. Her contribution has been central to the club’s continued success.

Emily Bentley

Although a relatively new member of Halstead Road Runners, Emily Bentley has already made an extraordinary impact through her willingness to volunteer and take on major responsibilities. As Social Secretary and Chief Marshal for the Halstead & Essex Marathon, she has organised club events, coordinated volunteers and successfully recruited and managed around 200 marshals for one of the region’s most significant races. Her enthusiasm, organisation and “have a go” attitude have helped ease pressure on fellow volunteers while ensuring key club activities continue to thrive. Emily’s commitment has strengthened both the club and the wider running community.

Unsung Project of the Year

Winner: Brentwood Beagles Athletic Club

Brentwood Beagles AC’s Community Inclusion Project has demonstrated the power of athletics to bring people together and create opportunities for participation for individuals who may previously have faced barriers to involvement. Through a welcoming, accessible and community-focused approach, the project has helped increase engagement in athletics while fostering a sense of belonging among participants from diverse backgrounds. By prioritising inclusion, support and long-term involvement, the initiative has enabled more people to experience the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of sport. Its positive impact extends beyond athletics, strengthening community connections and creating lasting opportunities for individuals to become active and involved.

Runner up: Bedford International Games - BIG on Tour

Bedford International Games’ BIG on Tour initiative has helped bring athletics directly into communities, creating engaging opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the sport. By making athletics more visible and accessible, the project has encouraged participation, introduced new audiences to the sport and strengthened connections between clubs and local communities. Its commitment to outreach, inclusivity and engagement has helped inspire more people to become active while showcasing the positive impact athletics can have on health, wellbeing and social connection. The project has made a significant contribution to growing participation and awareness across the East Region.

Services to Athletics and Running

Robert Smith

For more than 50 years, Bob Smith has dedicated his life to athletics as a coach, mentor and advocate for athlete development. Through his work with Cambridge & Coleridge AC, Cambridge University Athletics Club and Cambridgeshire Schools Athletics, Bob has helped shape generations of athletes while remaining a constant presence at the track in all weathers. A specialist hurdles coach, he has guided athletes from grassroots participation to international success, including World Championship medallist Jon Ridgeon and Commonwealth Games medallist Grace Clements. Beyond medals and performances, Bob is renowned for the genuine care he shows every athlete, treating individuals as people first and athletes second. His influence extends far beyond technical coaching, inspiring athletes and fellow coaches alike through his patience, kindness and unwavering commitment to developing confidence, resilience and character. His contribution has left a lasting legacy across club, county and university athletics.

David Brown

David Brown has given outstanding service to athletics through an extraordinary range of volunteer roles at club, county, regional and national level. A long-standing member of Biggleswade AC, he combines coaching, officiating, event management and team leadership while continually finding new ways to strengthen opportunities for athletes. As a hurdles coach, Level 4 Track Official, competition organiser and Bedfordshire County Team Manager, David's contribution reaches every corner of the sport. He has organised open meetings, county championships, Chiltern League fixtures, Eastern Championships and EMAC competitions, often stepping in when events risked not taking place. His commitment extends beyond his own club, regularly sharing coaching expertise with athletes and coaches across Bedfordshire. What makes David particularly remarkable is his willingness to take action when challenges arise. Identifying a lack of competition opportunities for younger athletes, he created a Bedfordshire league to fill the gap and ensure U10 and U12 athletes could continue to compete and develop. Throughout personal challenges, including caring for his wife following a stroke, David has continued to volunteer with humility and dedication. His reliability, leadership and selfless service have had a lasting impact on athletics throughout Bedfordshire and beyond.

Christine Moss

For more than four decades, Christine Moss has been one of the most dependable and dedicated volunteers in athletics, supporting competitions in a wide variety of roles while rarely seeking recognition. Beginning as a Team Manager in the 1980s, she went on to become a highly respected Field Judge, Field Referee, first aider and, more recently, a results processor at club, county and regional competitions. Throughout her years with Cambridge & Coleridge AC and the wider athletics community, Christine has consistently worked behind the scenes to ensure events run smoothly and athletes receive accurate results they can trust. Her calmness, patience, attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively have made her an invaluable member of competition teams for many years. Even as she begins to step back from some roles, Christine has devoted significant effort to mentoring and supporting others to ensure a smooth transition and a sustainable future for competition delivery. Her service has touched countless athletes, officials and volunteers, making her a true example of the commitment and dedication that grassroots athletics depends upon.