Another rewarding night for the club at last night’s Gedling Sports Awards held at the Carlton Academy. The club were well represented having 8 nominations shortlisted in various categories. It was a nervy opening as awards came and went and we were just missing the mark. However the tide turned when last years excellent U13 Girls team, coached by club Head Coach Jason Lowther picked up the coveted Junior Club Team Award for age 11 to 18 years. Kevin Clapp kindly picked up the award on behalf of the team – it was just a pity there was nobody from the team there to enjoy the moment, but it was their training night and they are turning out to be the team to beat this year!
We then had to wait a little while for our next award and we fought off strong opposition from Calverton MW to win the prestigious Sports Club of the Year Award. Adrian Hall and I received the award and I gave a little victory speech making sure the audience understood that this was a club with 30 squads, providing football throughout the community regardless of age, sex and ability, and even more poignantly without a home base.
Our final award was next and fittingly went to our esteemed and hard working Chairman Adrian Hall who picked up the Lifetime Achievement in Sport Award. Adrian is a tireless volunteer for both the club and local sport, not only does he oversee and is very involved in every aspect of the club, but he also Chairs the Gedling Football Development Group in the borough, and of course runs our 1st team for a bit of relaxation! Adrian told everyone he had been active now for 20 years with the club in its different guises but warned he may be up for the award again in another 20 years – that’s good news for us!
So not a bad night for the club, commiserations to our other shortlisted nominations who are listed below – remember if you don’t succeed this time there is always next year!
Achievement in Disability Sport Helene Torr
Junior Club Team Under 11 U10’s Boys Team
Club Coach of the Year Jenn Day
Volunteer of the Year Adam Chapman & Kevin Clapp
