Volunteer Awards evening 2024: East Midlands
The East Midlands Volunteer Awards took place on in Nottingham. Shortlisted volunteers had been invited to celebrate officials, coaches, club volunteers and other stalwarts of the sport.
CEO Chris Jones, Club Support Manager Heidi Bradley, Participation Programme Manager Tracey Francis, and Natasha Allderidge Member Engagement Officer from England Athletics and Jane Pidgeon and Karl Ponty from Regional Council in the East Midlands Region, and National Council Chair Matthew Dalton were present to join the celebrations.
Club Leader of the year
Winner: Jackie Acton (Burton AC)
Burton AC club treasurer and kit secretary Jackie Acton has demonstrated exceptional leadership at the club through her inclusive and empowering approach. She leads by example, displaying integrity, and a positive attitude and fosters a collaborative environment by actively involving volunteers in decision-making processes. Jackie provides training and development opportunities, enabling coaches and officials to enhance their skills and confidence, and for parents to learn how to team manage. Jackie has been instrumental in securing local funding for seating and a stand at Burton AC, which will enable the club to host higher-level competitions in the local area.
"It's hard work to get volunteers but I am really happy to have got some parents signed up as officials."
Runner up: Melanie Snutch (Birstall RC)
Birstall RC membership secretary and kit manager, Melanie seems to be the go to person for everything. Membership applications are dealt with immediately by Melanie.
Melanie told us her secret to success was: "Get them out of the way so you can get on with running the club."
She has also upgraded the club database to include emergency contacts that can be shared as needed. Mel is always receptive to ideas for new lines and has vastly improved the club kit options during her time in role; she keeps accurate records of stock and sales and has developed relationships with various suppliers. Mel has tirelessly kept the committee informed of the club standards status and actions.
"My motivations are that as a runner myself, I Iike to help others running and walking and we have a great social scene."
Club of the year
Winner: Harborough AC
Every potential new member is warmly welcomed by Harborough AC and gets two free taster sessions and a buddy. C25K programmes have a high conversion of graduates to members. The website includes a Wellbeing and Welfare section, an initiative launched by the Welfare Officers. Car sharing is encouraged, club kit is made from recycled material, and old kit donated to JogOn. The club actively collaborates with partners in the community.
Club Secretary Howard Crabtree has been with the club for over 37 years but says this awards evening was one of his highlights,
"So many are willing to help run the club, help develop the youngsters and we have a strong masters group too. It’s electric to see everything happening on a Monday and Tuesday night."
Runner up: Diamond Runners
Member support at Diamond Runners is exceptional, with regular sessions and one to ones. The social aspects and inclusion are where it excels. Due to the cost of living, annual membership has been reduced from £52 to £15 with the option to be affiliated. The club support a local gym with a charity for knife crime, has gone plogging, booked a bra fitting talk and menopause talk for our ladies.
The club supports other local clubs to be more inclusive and think about how to deal with club politics.
"We managed to pick up members of the public while out plogging. We hope to plog more aften with the Welly Wombles group too."
Runner up: Lincs Run Club
Lincs Run Club is a place of inclusion that thrives on a family feel, with an atmosphere of positive encouragement, where all athletes can be proud of their achievements and of others. Members and volunteers give back to the club and wider community through hard work, dedication, and support, smashing PBs, turning up on dark evenings in the cold and rain, volunteering, pacing, cheering and competing at events. Members have supported St Barnabas raising over £1000 through a variety of fundraising activities.
"Our six locations all use different terrain - so when we meet, people know what to expect."
Coach of the year
Winner: Kevin Smith (Northampton AC)
Kevin has athletes from U13 to V70, and attends their competitions regardless of where they are. That level of commitment, care and support is shown in his athletes’ performances and desire to make him proud. His calm nature provides a relaxed environment for his athletes. His commitment is also shown through his flexibility with training sessions during exam seasons, holding early sessions so the youngsters can revise in the evening, or providing an individual programme for an athlete post-childbirth.
"My recipe for success: being in tune with the athletes both on track and in their lives because life can impact your performance. If you listen you see what makes them tick."
Runner up: Angela Fellows (Burton AC)
Angela has inspired and developed her athletes through a multifaceted approach and incorporating a variety of innovative methods. She has created training sessions tailored to each athlete's strengths and goals, treating all with the same level of care and attention, whatever their standard. Angela has fostered mental resilience using techniques like visualization, and promoting a growth mindset. Angela places a strong emphasis on celebrating progress and achievements, no matter how small, which boosts morale and encourages continuous effort.
"Athletics is my safe place. After a long hard day at work you want to lie down but you get there and you are re-energised."
Community Project of the year
Winner: Harborough AC
National Sports Week enabled the collaboration of Harborough AC and a local primary school to provide a week-long programme of activities where children of all abilities were encouraged to get in involved in sport and have fun. Many of the club's volunteers have been actively engaged with schools in the wider community over the last 12 months (e.g. Junior parkrun club takeovers, hosting junior athletics summer camps) all positively raising community awareness of the club, resulting in increased junior membership.
Junior Coordinator Mel Brocklebank initiated the idea but after that it was a team effort:
"We are a relatively small club, without a track, but we have an incredibly strong and supportive community."
Club Chair Jill Roginsky was asked what were future plans:
"Membership has gone from 26 to 130 in 2 years so we are looking at a couch to 2k for kids in primary schools."
Runner up: Mansfield Harriers
Mansfield Harriers hold an annual 'Come and Have a Go Day' which showcases the facilities available and provides an opportunity for the community to experience athletic activities in a fun environment, promote the club and recruit new members. Families can try something new and havie fun doing it, ranging from high jump and howler javelin to sprint starts and speed bounce. The Open Days have allowed the community to see the impact of £160k investment following 10 years of neglect and no maintenance of the track.
Hannah Wragg explained why Mansfield Harriers is so special:
"I've been there since I was 11 years old and I have grown up with it, it’s like family."
Runner up: Lincs Run Club
Lincs Run Club members have supported all the events helping to make a real difference to the lives of the people who use St Barnabas hospice. The guided runs around the Heart trail were a fantastic example of the community coming together to enjoy running. A club 10k trail race had entry fees going directly to St Barnabas. Members supported the Torchlight parade in Lincoln and the Chair ran 5k every hour for 24 hours with support from club members and the wider running community joining in runs throughout the challenge.
Inspiring Official
Winner: Jim Pearson (Charnwood AC)
Jim is the true definition of an athletics official - positive, engaging, hardworking and committed to the sport. As a level 4 field judge he is on the field most weekends at all levels of the sport - club events to UK/televised meetings.. One of the representatives of the tri-regional officials group within the midlands/southwest region he does a tremendous amount of work to support individuals progressing to Level 3 and 4. Athletics has provided him with a wonderful platform to enhance his knowledge, which is evident when officials seek his guidance. Every person Jim interacts with is greeted with a friendly smile and a warm welcome which has earned him the respect of a plethora of athletes, coaches, parents, and officials.
Winner: Paul Smith
Paul is a reassuring and calm persona in all types of situations. He is a Level 4 field judge and Level 3 endurance official volunteering at all levels of competition and has officiated as chief judge/referee at numerous televised events. Paul always treats athletes, coaches, parents and his fellow officials with the utmost respect, and dealing with any challenging situations e.g., foul throw/query with results etc in a professional, respectful and open manner. Paul is courteous, supportive, encouraging and always has time to speak to colleagues who wish to ask any questions or clarity on any role, duty or process for their learning and development.
Winner: Suzanne Lyons
Suzanne has a fantastic personality that really shines at any athletics meeting she attends. As an experienced Level 4 field judge and new Level 1 starter/starter’s assistant, she officiates regularly at many meetings. Her positive can do attitude is infectious and creates a real team spirit. She is happy to spend development time with any official. Athletics is the perfect environment that showcases the many positive aspects of Suzanne's personality and work ethic. Her ability to engage and interact with athletes and adapt her style according to the age of the athletes, but also engage with parents, coaches and officials alongside this is something to admire.
"I think it is important to see more than just the field, how the different teams work. Because I have just begun my journey as a starter I can empathise with Level 1 officials."
Newcomer to Volunteering
Winner: Victoria Toyn (Mansfield Harriers)
Victoria’s journey into volunteering began as a parent bringing her daughter to training - cold and bored she asked if she could make a cup of coffee…The chair asked her to make and sell drinks and confectionary on club nights. A natural progression was organising the provision of refreshments for officials and volunteers at club events. As she was in the track office at training sessions collecting training fees this led to her managing the sale of club kit. Her roles are key to providing vital sources of income which contributes to the sustainability of the club. She’s also a First Aider and recently took on the Welfare Officer role!
What keeps her volunteering?
"Not being able to say no! But I find it so rewarding, welcoming the young athletes and seeing everybody grow."
Runner up: Ellie Cartwright (Sutton in Ashfield Harriers and AC)
An accomplished sprinter who had to take time out for surgery for an injury Ellie continued to support her club by coaching and mentoring U11 & U13 at sprints and relays and assisted in a programme of sport for disabled athletes. She has worked hard to become a starter / starter’s assistant and is currently aiming for Level 2. She has performed well at club and county level and received well earned praise from high level officials. She believes in paying back the opportunities the sport has given her by by coaching, officiating and administration at schools club and county events. She creidts her coach for inspiring her:
"My coach Sue has been so supportive of me and inspired me to coach when I couldn’t compete."
Contribution to Athletics and Running
Winner: Trevor and Stella Jolly
Trevor and Stella have been the mainstay behind the scenes of Derbyshire MiniLeague (6 Sportshall, 3 Cross Country and 4 Track and Field) and Derbyshire County T&F and XC Championships. They are a reassuring presence at competitions, supporting team managers with administration. They assign athlete numbers, publish results promptly on the day, resolve problems and take care of athlete queries in a calm and timely manner. Trevor and Stella are the best role models for how to do a job while making it easier for others to get and stay involved.
Trevor enjoys this role:
"It is the satisfaction of getting the job done – I like things with a beginning and an end. and this does just that."
Runner up: Cathy Ralph (Desborough & Rothwell RC)
A founding member and secretary of Desborough & Rothwell RC in 2013, Cathy is now membership secretary, Run Leader coordinator and coach. Under her direction the club worked with a GP surgery to provide a very successful community C25K walking group led by club LiRF members who had previously qualified with her support and encouragement. Improved fitness by the end of the course meant some were no longer classed as diabetic and one came off anxiety meds. Cathy started a new walking group to allow the patients to continue their fitness journey and become members of the club.
"It’s great and one of the times in the week I have the most laughs. Plus being in the countryside is so good for you – even in the dark!"
Services to Athletics and Running
Winner: Stephen Davies (Mansfield Harriers)
Since 1970 Steve's competed in track, road and x/c with over 50 marathons completed internationally and a PB of 2.23), represented Wales and still takes part in parkruns. He was involved in the merger that created Mansfield Harriers and helped it become a Charitable Trust - responsible for the management of Berry Hill track. As well as officiating, Steve has volunteered at least 3 times a week over the last 40 years - much of it crucial to the development of the club, and especially in team management, coaching, fundraising and as volunteering coordinator. He’s recruited 30 members each year since 1989 to marshal the car parking for the National XC Relays!
Steve's contribution has made local athletics inclusive, sustainable and enjoyable.
"I am a small cog in the big club machine. But as a very active athlete over the years, and coached by Bud Buldaro, I enjoy giving back and giving help and advice and passing on my knowledge."
Winner: John Hallett (Nottinghamshire AAA)
John started his officiating journey nearly 50 years ago, initially as a field judge and then as a starters assistant. He was a starters assistant at the 2012 Olympics. He is committed to supporting fixtures within Nottinghamshire. John has been instrumental in gaining approval for the County’s electronic starting equipment. He worked with a starter to produce and trial the system, and now takes it to local fixtures and campaigns to get more Notts clubs to train in its use so that they can use it too. He is a fabulous mentor, always looking to bring on newer officials and support them.
Upon receiving his award he was asked what London 2012 was like.
"It was the occasion that unified Britain. The country came alive, especially on the Tube where people don’t usually speak to each other! Sport is a unification of peoples. We could save a lot of troubles in the world by getting youngsters working and playing with affection for each other."