The achievements of a local School Games Organiser have been recognised with a prestigious national award at the Youth Sport Trust’s School Games Organiser Conference.
Alison Raw has been presented with the National School Games Organiser Workforce Award for 2015-16 for her efforts in developing young coaches and leaders through the Darlington School Sport Partnership’s Transitional Leadership Academy.
Based at the Eastbourne Sports Complex, Alison had been running a Year 9 Leadership Academy and then began working with younger primary school pupils to enable them to assist in the running of various sports events and festivals across the borough.
It culminated in a Year 4 Girls Football Day, with a morning of young leader-led skills-based circuit for the girls to learn and develop their skills, followed by an afternoon football competition. The older leaders worked with the younger ones to deliver activities, then acted as referees and team managers during the competition. In all 15 schools and 150 girls took part in the competition with the support of 26 Year 6 Leaders and nine Year 8/9 Leaders.
Alison said:
“It was the first time I’d tried the skills-based circuit and it work really well. The feedback from staff, participants and the leaders themselves was tremendous – all extremely positive. And now to have received this award is just amazing.”
The award was presented at the School Games Organisers National Summit in Telford, organised by the Youth Sport Trust with support from National Lottery funding from Sport England.
Louise Gear, Head of Network Strategy at the Youth Sport Trust, said:
“Alison’s commitment to her role as a School Games Organiser has led to a hugely successful leadership and officiating pathway for young people in Darlington. Her work on the leadership academy has been exceptional and ensures that school sport is engaging, inspiring and inclusive for all young people.”
Nick Walllis, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and the local environment, added:
“We are delighted that Alison’s efforts have been recognised nationally and we will continue to work to offer sporting opportunities for young people in Darlington.”
For information about activities and events at the Dolphin Centre and Eastbourne Sports Complex log onto the website at www.healthydarlington.gov.uk or you can emailhealthydarlington@darlington.gov.uk.