Local clubs score a hat trick of awards

Sporting groups recognised for their work in the community

Local sport and athletics clubs have scored a hat-trick in community awards in the past two weeks.

Brentford FC won the Community Club of the Year Award at the inaugural Football League Awards; West London Hammer School won Club of the Year at the London Active Partnership Awards for Achievement in Sport; while Krishna Birdie received Volunteer of the Year for her work with PACE, which also won Club of the Year from the London Sports Awards for outstanding achievement in sport for disabled people.

PACE is a fully inclusive club for young disabled and non-disabled people, providing opportunities to participate in sport, leisure activities, arts and crafts, and trips. PACE was established in 2004, with the aim of improving quality of life through sport.  The club recently received £3,000 from the Ealing Council Community Grant.

Krishna Birdie, who won the Volunteer of the Year award helped to establish PACE. In addition to helping to co-ordinate fortnightly sessions, Krishna works behind the scenes to find funding for the club, arranging trips and workshops, and organising training for members and other volunteers to develop their sports leadership skills. Her commitment to involving disabled young people as coaches has provided role models for other members and demonstrates to young disabled people how they can be actively involved in running their club.

West London Hammer School trains at Perivale Park's Athletics Track and Gym. The school recently gained Sport England’s Clubmark, which is used by National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) as part of their club accreditation programmes for sports clubs with junior sections in recognition of a quality club.

The Active Ealing team has worked closely with these and other voluntary community sports clubs to increase participation in sport and active recreation, increase accessibility; and, improve health and well being throughout the local area.

A spokesperson for Ealing said that the council strives to maximise sporting opportunities by developing effective and sustainable partnerships with community organisations which includes providing funding, assisting with funding grant applications, running sport taster sessions, and providing equipment to run events.

Cllr Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said "We are very proud of the success of these community clubs and the level of sport excellence that is prevalent in our community. Ealing Council encourages participation in sport and fitness throughout the whole borough and these clubs are a shining example of opportunities that are available for our residents to get involved in."

March 15, 2006

March 15, 2006