Communities are sporting proud smiles as nominees are shortlisted

The public nominated against set criteria for those people in Northampton's sporting communities who really make a difference. A shortlist has now been agreed and nominees have been invited to the special dinner and award ceremony where almost 200 people will gather to celebrate the efforts of many teams and individuals. It takes place next Wednesday evening, 21 October, from 6.15pm at the Marriott Hotel.

Cllr Paul Varnsverry, Cabinet Member for Communities, commented: "The importance of sport in the community is often overlooked, as are the many hardworking people in our town who willingly give up their free time to support individuals and teams, helping them to aim high and achieve excellence. This special awards night has been organised to recognise those who go above and beyond the call of duty in schools, communities and sporting clubs. It will be a celebration of how sports bring people together and provide those groups with the drive to accomplish something exceptional."

Winners of the borough council's awards will go forward to the county awards being held on 12th November and from there, Northamptonians could find themselves competing for an East Midlands or national honour.


Featured nominee profiles

Community Club of the Year - Kingsthorpe Kobra's

Kingsthorpe Kobras was only set up in October 2007 and has come a long way in a shot period of time. Originally the club was set up with a Under 11's and Over 11's section. As participation increased at the club and the junior players developed, 4 players were selected to train with the county squad - which is a fantastic achievement. The club also supports the Northamptonshire Junior Badminton Club League, helping organise events and supplying volunteers. The club is entirely run by volunteers many of whom have been trained as level 1 coaches to support the coaching while the clubs head coach, a Level 2, also volunteers her time. The club supported an adult 'Return to Sport' initiative to encourage more adults to start playing badminton and with the hard work and support of the School Sports Coordinator. This led to developing an adult section of the club with over 40 players registered. The club has an extensive support network from parents and helpers and has recently held 2 fundraising events to raise money to support the club. The club recently attained Premier Mark status for all its good work, which is an incredible achievement in just 2 years. So much hard work has gone into making this club sustainable and a respected community club.

Team of the Year - Northampton Rugby League

The adult team at Northampton Rugby League Club is only in its 3rd season. This season the team has won the Rugby League Conference East (remaining unbeaten all season) and also won the Grand final. Due to winning the league, the club is now in the National Play Off's. A great deal of effort and hard work has gone into this team and the team is required to travel a considerable distance for many fixtures. The team now has over 40 registered players and continues to go from strength to strength.

Coach of the Year - Nina Bridge

Nina qualified as a level 2 coach in 2007/08 and coaches both the under 11 team and the over 11's at Kingsthorpe Kobras Badminton Club. She also coached and supported the adult section in the early stages, but is regularly seen at all 3 sessions encouraging and motivating people. Nina coaches on a voluntary basis and along with coaching, gives up her time to help fund raise and deal with the administration necessary at the club. She has also encouraged younger coaches to undertake their level 1 qualification. Nina also organised all of the club's paperwork over the last year to ensure that the club can become a Premier Club. This is Badminton England's Version of Club Mark, which is a huge achievement for a club less than 2 years old. Nina actively promotes the club including the development and promotion of a new website. The club is only the success it is today with all the hard work and support from Nina.

Volunteer of the Year - Kevin Malpas

Kevin is a local postman who lives in the Spencer area of Northampton. Kevin has a keen passion for running and exercise and recently completed his Leadership in Running Fitness course, allowing Kevin to lead jogging sessions once a week in his local area. Kevin's personality and enthusiasm has been key to the sessions being a success and continues to look to develop these sessions. Kevin has also been an integral part of running the local youth club, with his football qualification being a vital asset in helping organise and plan sessions that capture the young people's attention. The youth club in the Spencer area has been key to providing young people with evening activities. Kevin is a great asset and with more people like Kevin we could encourage more people to take up sport and physical activity.

Get Active 2009 - Stephen Welyczko

Stephen attended the Manalive programme run by NHS Northamptonshire. To begin with he was very sedentary and suffering with his health and wellbeing. Manalive provided the opportunity for Stephen to get back into shape both mentally and physically. Over the last 12 months he has really challenged himself and has become an inspiration to others in the way he has tackled his health and wellbeing. Stephen completed the first 12 week Manalive programme and lost 10% of his body weight and significantly reduced his BMI. He has successfully completed Health Walk Leader Training and regularly supports health walks at the Racecourse and more recently completing the Cycle Lead Training with the Easy Rider Project. Stephen is a fantastic role model for 'Get Active' and his outlook and future has been enriched this his involvement and dedication.

Young Leader of the Year - Georgia Wiles

Georgia gives time, effort, humour as well as skill and knowledge when developing young students at Duston Netball Club. She has recently gained her umpiring and coaching qualifications and attended a young leaders conference to develop her skills, which has supported the club. She has also coached and developed primary school pupils at multisport and gymnastic festivals. The young participants that she coaches always warm to her and clearly enjoy working with her.

Long Time Contribution to Sport - Peggy Cockerill

Peggy has committed an inordinate amount of time over many years as a volunteer to Northampton Swimming Club. She has been connected to the club for over 30 years since her son Andrew joined the club and has increasingly dedicated her time and energy in working for and promoting the club. She qualified as an official in 1981 converting this to a judging qualification in 1983. She then joined the clubs committee, offering her services to club management, in the roles as records secretary and later as club secretary a role, which she has continued to fulfil until this day. She has served on the county committee including a period as president and has also been president of the East Midland Speedo League Committee. Her presence has a huge impact on the club often inspiring others to volunteer and contribute to the fundraising of the club. She was also recently an instigator in an 'Awards for All' grant which brought in nearly £10,000 worth of equipment to the club. Peggy has served the community of Northampton with hugely successful learn to swim and swimming development programmes from disability swimming right through to competitive swimming at national and international levels.