Over 500 sports volunteers from across Herts packed into the University of Hertfordshire to celebrate the efforts of hundreds of individuals who give up their time for grassroots sport.

The evening was expertly compered by BBC Radio Five Live’s David Croft, who was joined by local dignitaries and guest speakers.  Highlights from the evening included Jodie Williams, local athlete and London 2012 Olympic hopeful, picking up the Young Sports Personality of the Year award and the Chairman of the Herts Sports Partnership, Grahme Bowles, who was awarded the Special Recognition Award for his contribution to sport in Stevenage and Hertfordshire.

The evening was summed up by David Croft;

“Without these thousands of unsung heroes, sport as we know it could not exist, and without a strong community sport foundation there would be no sporting heroes at the elite level.  With such strength and depth amongst all nominations I think the county is in a great position to continue onwards and upwards with its clubs, coaches and sports volunteers.”

Herts Sports Partnership would like to congratulate all nominees and winners of the awards and thank local businesses and organisations who helped to fund the event.

Award Winners

Community Coach of the Year (male) – David Rice – Herts and Ware Athletics Club

Community Coach of the Year (female) – Nickola Loft – Panshanger Football Club

Community Club of the Year – Old Albanian Rugby Football Club

Best Newcomer Club – Special Olympics Sportshall Athletics

The Paul Pearce Award for Contribution to Disability Sport – Ros Cramp – Hertfordshire Athletics Network

Community Volunteer of the Year – Paula Williams – King George Football Club

Young Volunteer (Key Stage 1 & 2) - Bethany Gunn, Sandon JMI School

Young Community Volunteer (Key Stage 3 - 5) - Jamie Stone, Hertford and Ware School Sports Partnership
 

Young Sports Personality of the Year – Jodie Williams – Welwyn Garden City

Sports Personality of the Year – Richard Charlesworth – Hemel Hempstead

Primary School of the Year - Breachwood Green Primary School, Hitchin

Secondary School of the Year - Pinewood Secondary School, Ware

Service to Sport Award – Paul Holgate – Fairlands Valley Spartans

Special Recognition Award - Grahame Bowles

Lifetime Achievement Award – Caimin Rowntree
                                                           Robin Nicholls
                                                           Alan Smith
                                                           Kath Worrell
                                                           Grahame Bowles
                                                           John Rudlin
                                                           Arthur Meeson

For full details of the winners plus photos from the evening visit the Service to Sport webpage.
 

The Annual Coach Education Week and Herts Coaching Conference will be back in February 2011 and is aiming to be bigger than ever.

Following on from this year’s success, which included an inspiring keynote address by rugby union legend Sir Ian McGeechan, Herts Sports Partnership is already planning a packed week of courses and events.

This is a great way for anyone involved with sport and physical activity to gain new qualifications and network with the who’s who of sport in Herts.

Coach Education Week: Saturday 19th – Saturday 26th February 2011

Coaching Conference: Saturday February 26th 2011 (TBC)

One sporting star hoping to be in attendance is former NBA player John Amaechi. John played for the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz before retiring in 2007. He also helped England win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.   John now works as a motivational speaker and sports pundit in the UK and the US.

For more information contact Lynsay Evans:
Tel: 01707 281008 Email: L.A.1.Evans@herts.ac.uk  

 

The 10 Community Sports Networks (CSNs) are local groups made up of sports clubs and organisations which have been set up in each of the Hertfordshire district and borough council areas. They help deliver sports programmes and coordinate activity in your local area.

The CSNs provide the opportunity for football clubs to meet likeminded people, source funding and obtain support on key issues such as volunteers, school links and facilities. They also provide your club with the chance to have a more powerful voice in raising concerns about sport in your area.

The Hertfordshire FA has teamed up with the Herts Sports Partnership to provide an informative evening event which will explain why your club should get involved with your local CSN. In addition to an overview of the 10 Hertfordshire CSNs you will also have an opportunity to hear from Football Clubs who are already benefiting from their local CSN and meet the Chairs of CSNs from across the county.

Venue: Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6XE

Date and Time: Thursday 7th October; 7pm – 10pm

Cost: FREE (80 places available)

For further details contact Sharon Gill Tel: 01462 650208 Email: sharon.gill@hertfordshirefa.com
 

The summer is officially over and many sports clubs around Herts are gearing up for the season ahead. To ensure your coaches are up to date with qualifications here are details of the courses on offer from the Herts Sports Partnership in the coming months.

Emergency First Aid at Work –10th October 2010

Role of the Volunteer Coordinator – 12th October 2010 (scUK)

Coaching Children and Young People –19th October 2010 (scUK)

Safeguarding and Protecting Children 2 (Reflecting on Practice) – 19th October 2010

Safeguarding and Protecting Children – 18th November 2010

Equity In your Coaching – 23rd November 2010

Each course will be held at the University of Hertfordshire.

For further details and to book your place click here or contact Lynsay Evans:

Tel: 01707 281008
Email: L.A.1.Evans@herts.ac.uk
 

Herts Sports Partnership is delighted to offer up to £100 towards training for volunteers working in sports clubs in Hertfordshire.

Am I eligible?

Be aged between 16-25 or over 50

Be an active volunteer of a sports club within Hertfordshire

Be able to complete/start your training by the end of 2010

What courses can I access?

Herts Sports Partnership courses including Safeguarding and Protecting Children and First Aid

NGB courses including Level 1, 2 and 3 coaching, referees/officials and Young Leaders Awards

Are you a sports club looking for new volunteers?

We work in conjunction with local Volunteer Centres across the county who can help you advertise and promote volunteering opportunities within your club. 

For more information about the scheme please contact Olivia Bickle.  Tel:  01707 284229  Email:  o.h.bickle@herts.ac.uk