Volunteer Awards evening 2024: West Midlands
The second Regional Volunteer Awards saw us paying a visit to the West Midlands area last night. It was a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise the hard work, dedication and passion demonstrated by volunteers throughout the West Midlands area. A great show of the unbelievable sacrifices by individuals and clubs throughout the area who have made such a positive impact to local communities. We highlight these incredible individuals below:
Club Leader of the year
Winner: Brian Morgan (Hereford and County AC)
Brian is a qualified starter, field official and coach. Having coached U11 for a few years, he has recently created a new group for youngsters that have been on the waiting list for a while. He has provided multi event competitions, even making the trophies himself, encouraging parents to come along and give officiating a go. Brian has worked tirelessly to help renovate the track, create a storage cabin and repaired the roof and flooring. As well as securing sponsorship from local companies to help keep renovation costs down.
Runner up: Essington Harriers Running Club
A friendly and supportive club for new and experienced runners. The club's leaders go above and beyond for their members, always giving tips for support. Glynn Rowley in particular has helped members during and after sessions to improve their strength and fitness, providing continual motivation.
"We keep the members engaged in what they are doing and make sure they are involved in all aspects of the club. As long as the members are happy then that is the main thing."
Club of the year
1st: Peel Road Runners
An inclusive club where members of all abilities are made to feel welcome. The club president explains: "when you join the Peelers, you join a family". New members are encouraged to try taster runs to ensure it is the right fit for them, with a buddy system in place to help them settle in. They regularly celebrate each other's achievement with weekly reports and are constantly evolving to do the best for their members.
Members of the club said: "We always want to be a family as it can be a lonely sport. We make sure that we never leave anyone behind and always look after each other."
2nd: Shropshire Shufflers
The club successfully ran a recruitment and running skills development course, followed by a regular Sunday morning 5k group and an annual summer couch to 10k course. They also offer organised meet and greet services, social runs and donate to local charities. The club's Shufflette e-magazine has been a great communication tool, and membership fees have been kept low to ensure inclusivity. With weekday morning runs continuing in popularity, including the chance to run with buggies.
"We cater for all abilities, offering a variety of sessions for all runners. We have over 50 run leaders and coaches with over 600 members so there is something for everyone."
3rd: City of Birmingham Striders
The diverse mix of members creates a rich, supportive environment. The leadership team are approachable, open to suggestions, and ready to assist. Members get together for activities such as brunch, dinners, parkruns and hiking. COBS has co-hosted a xc league event, supported marshalling at Road Relays, organised volunteer takeovers at parkruns and grown a supportive welfare team.
Coach of the year
Winner: Katharine Stein (Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club)
Katharine has dedicated so much of her time to pole vault: planning sessions, coaching, attending competitions, buying equipment and organising logistics. She is always seeking out new training ideas and techniques which she tailors to the needs of each individual, from novice to experienced athlete. Katharine's delight is genuine and instantly recognisable when her athletes do well, always finding fun new drills to focus improvement areas for the athletes.
"It is important to build the trust and give lots of encouragement as people can be scared when they first start. You are asking them to get a pole and go very high in the air so the relationship is key."
Winner: Abbey van Dijk (Run 4U, Perform Running Club)
As well as being a very accomplished athlete herself, Abbey actually set up the club for those who liked running and wanted the social aspect of a running club. Abbey is an incredibly inspiring coach, making people want to perform at their best. Every fitness level is welcome and made to feel included by Abbey, always helping others to achieve their goals. She also instigates further social activities to increase camaraderie between members all year round.
On the night Abbey said: "It is all about working out what the individuals want to get out of a session, challenging them but not pushing too hard so they see the benefits. As a club we encourage each other and celebrate successes no matter how big or small."
Community Project of the year
Winner: Penkridge Runners
A club passionate about supporting the community in innovative ways, it uses running as a platform not only for giving back but also for encouraging members to stay fit and active. Penkridge Runners have had a significant impact on the community, bringing people together and offering much more than just running. The club organises inclusive running sessions that encourages people of all ages and abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among all members while raising awareness and funds for local and national charities.
"We've been going for 10 years and our goals have changed drastically. We set out to create a running group for the community and we have gone from 10 people to 750. We never imagined we would be able to give back so much to the community, we just wanted to help people get out running and make friendships."
Runner up: Kids Run Redditch
A club that is always actively seeking ways to inspire the next generation to get active. With regular involvement away from running, such as Carnivals, supporting other local clubs and kid's races, the club seeks active partnerships for the benefit of the community. Kids Run Redditch is a safe space for a chat right the way up to competing and helps get the whole family active on the track.
"It's all above having fun every Saturday, we love seeing the kids show up each week and enjoy themselves. We love to come up with new ideas and get the spectators involved."
Inspiring Official
Winner: Yasmin Al-Daftary (Bromsgrove and Redditch AC)
Yasmin is a Level 3 Starter and Starter's Assistant as well as a qualified Endurance official. She has officiated at a wide range of events, is the Treasurer of the Midlands officials' association (MAFEO), and is also an England Athletics tutor. Yasmin is an inspirational official who goes out of her way to support new officials and events. Her enthusiasm and encouragement is spread to everyone, whether they are an athlete, coach or fellow official, and her can do attitude helps make every event a success.
"It is so great seeing new people come along and give officiating a go and end up really enjoying themselves. The camaraderie of it all is what keeps people coming back, it gets people together and it's a great day out."
Winner: Paj Valley (Birchfield Harriers)
Paj is the Worcestershire County Officials' Secretary and a Level 4 field official - and over the last year has attended every schools county event and many more outside of this. Paj is an inspirational official and a great role model for other officials and volunteers. He spends time supporting colleagues and building positive relationships, listening to coaches, parents and athletes in any situation. Paj has the ability to make others around him feel comfortable and confident, always positive and encouraging which is infectious to others.
Winner: Dave Ashbourne (Leamington Cycling and Athletics Club)
Dave is a Level 4 field judge as well as an active coach across a range of disciplines. He is one of the first people to offer support and assistance to officials, event organisers and many others. Dave is an all-round positive, kind and supportive person, his can do attitude and ability to deal with any situation in a calm and composed manner ensures a positive experience is had by all.
Newcomer to Volunteering
Winner: Joy Woolass (Massey Ferguson RC)
Joy started her journey to running in 2019 when she enrolled on a Racefit course. She now regularly leads different ability groups on club training nights, giving back to the club in a variety of ways. Joy is motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about running and passes these attributes onto her clubmates. Her empathy for fellow runners allows her to understand the training needs of others and plan her sessions to meet the needs of the group. Joy's positive attitude is infectious amongst runners and helps others to achieve their personal goals.
"I love encouraging people and sharing their joy, you see such a difference in helping people and it is brilliant. I love seeing people improve and work towards personal goals."
Winner: Kate Hotchkiss (Oswestry Olympians)
As an athlete herself, Kate has been competing, coaching and volunteering as a field judge for her club. Kate often travels to high level meetings with her dad and brother, who are also licenced officials, and has helped out wherever she can. Recently becoming a Level 1 field judge, she is held in high regard by others, her enthusiasm and willingness to help is always greatly appreciated. Not only is she respected by officials, but fellow athletes look up to her with respect and admiration.
Contribution to Athletics and Running
Winner: Matt Leydon (Spa Striders)
Matt has returned as Chair of the club, playing an active role in welcoming new members, encouraging existing ones and overseeing communications. As a Level 2 coach, he provides support and advice to both the club and individuals, creating training plans and answering questions. He is always available for ad hoc advice and support, despite his busy role as chair and full-time job. Matt's efforts have led to increased accessibility, improved coaching, and a supportive environment for all members.
"We are a very inclusive club, always encouraging people to join. We support all our runners in the club no matter what level or ability, always cheering them on."
Runner up: David Crosby (Pontesbury Runners)
David, coach and creator of Pontesbury Runners, has changed the running scene in the local village. With a wide spectrum of abilities, David is able to coax the best out of everyone. No matter what the session there are always smiles and laughter, with David organising social evenings to celebrate achievements and events outside of running. Each session is varied and tailored to each individuals goals, with every runner nurtured and made to feel included.
Services to Athletics and Running
Winner: Brian Higson (Royal Sutton Coldfield AC)
Brian has been volunteering for his club for 34 years. With a wealth of knowledge, he coaches a variety of disciplines, volunteers as an official as well as offering physiotherapy support and free chemistry tutoring. Brian has supported hundreds of athletes in his club and is always available to help athletes and parent alike. With a calm and patient manner he is greatly respected by all his athletes. On top of this, Brian provides emotional support, words of wisdom and motivation to athletes of all ages.
"My priority is not just to coach people through their athletics careers, but to help them through the different stages of their life and see them succeed."
Winner: Dave Newton (Oswestry Olympians)
Dave has dedicated a huge amount of time to athletics, helping to shape Oswestry Olympians into a fantastic club. With a variety of committee roles over the years, website manager, head coach and a licenced official Dave is an integral part of the club. He is a brilliant but rare combination of an effective, inclusive leader who goes out of his way to ensure the club runs smoothy and members feel supported.