Each year, CCPR awards the prestigious Sports Club of the Year prizes to clubs which demonstrate exemplary commitment to their members, to their local communities and to their sports.
Made possible by a generous grant from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, and also supported by runningsports, the awards recognise the hard work involved in running a sports club at grassroots level.
The awards were presented on May 4 by CCPR’s president, HRH the Earl of Wessex, at a ceremony held at the Grange St Paul’s Hotel.
Congratulations to all.
First place
Oundle Town Rowing Club, Northamptonshire
Despite its relative youth, Oundle Town Rowing Club is an organisation at the top of its game. In only ten years, the club has established itself at the very heart of its community. With competitive and recreational rowing and sculling available on the River Nene, as well as in the boathouse, it is little wonder that the club is so popular with participants. Its outreach programme is amongst the best we have seen, meeting the needs of young people and adults alike and, importantly, those of all abilities. It is also clear that Oundle, despite being only a decade old, is already part of the fabric of its community. Relationships with its governing body, with local schools, with the Local Network Fund, with the English Federation of Disability Sports and British Blind Sport, to name but a few, mean that this ambitious and well-run club is here to stay.
Second place
The Diamond Centre for Disabled Riders, Surrey
The Diamond Centre is a key part of Riding for the Disabled Association, which considers it a ‘model’ for its work. It combines the highest standards with high volumes, allowing access to 360 riders, drivers and vaulters a week. The Centre hosts training days and competitions for riders from all over Greater London and also offers an international aspect, giving training to many riders from overseas. Its inclusive atmosphere brings the best out of riders, some of whom have won medals on the international stage. Thanks to the excellent service the Centre and its 370 volunteers provide, a waiting list for rides of over two years exists.
Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC
Rochdale Mayfield runs 15 teams, male and female, from under eights, all the way through to open age. With a playing roster running into the hundreds and an army of 60 volunteers, this is a club which sits truly at the heart of its community. But its tentacles stretch out further as the expertise it has in coach and volunteer courses, on everything from first aid to child protection, are offered to a host of other local clubs. Diversity is also a watchword at Rochdale Mayfield. In June, the club will hold a Pride Touch Rugby competition under the auspices of the Manchester Gay Pride Games. The club has created a partnership with the Pride Sports organisation and is also making good links with local BME groups. Rochdale Mayfield will also offer a Diversity Day in May when they will host a union vs league masters game – the ultimate in diversity!
Third place
Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club, Derbyshire
In 2004, Erewash opened the doors to its new premises. Three years later and the club had already outgrown them and in 2009 it opened extended premises, offering their 350 members three full floor areas. The club’s tireless fundraising supports these efforts and has nurtured elite success in rhythmic and tumbling gymnastics, as well as programmes for men and women in artistic, pre-school, rhythmic and general gymnastics.
Halton Table Tennis Club, Cheshire
Halton Table Tennis Club is recognised by its governing body, ETTA, as one of the very best – not just this year but every year. Offering fantastic opportunities not only to participants, but also to volunteers, Halton boasts three international umpires, one international referee, three ETTA development officers and three tournament organisers. Operating in one of the most deprived wards in the country, Halton gives its community something to be very proud of – one of the best sports clubs in the country.
Newcastle (STAFFS) Volleyball Club, Staffordshire
NSVC is a club going places. Ambitious, despite ongoing difficulties like finding places to play, the club has entered 21 teams into national competitions in the last 12 months. They have also found time to host the West Midlands ‘Let’s play volleyball’ festival, to provide holiday camps for 10 to 15-year-olds, to give coaching to 500 players in schools and to push eight players into international recognition. With a well-conceived club structure which rewards service, success and skill in volunteers and players, NSVC is clearly all about quality volleyball.
The University Sports Club of the Year Sponsored by runningsports
The University of Birmingham Golf Volunteerz
Set up on the initiative of golf-loving students, this volunteer project seeks to help provide resources to programmes which support the development of the sport. Offering a wide range of skills, including photography, public relations, coaching and welfare advice, these volunteers support County Golf Partnerships across the country. The initiative has recruited 16 new volunteers into the sport and ensures that those giving up their time are given support and regular feedback on their progress. They have also tapped into external funding sources which are used to help volunteers access further training and qualifications – perhaps why golf has more volunteers than any other sport at the University of Birmingham.
