ClubSport Stirling (CSS), in partnership with Scottish ClubSport were proud to recognise the outstanding work and impact of local volunteers within Stirling's sport club network. Delivered as part of CSS's annual general meeting (AGM) on Monday 24 April, the ‘Service to Sport’ award highlights the significant impact that local people have had within their sport and or community over many years.
This was the first local award of its kind for many years, delivered in thanks to the support of Scottish ClubSport, who were represented and presented the award on the night by director Evan McLean.
ClubSport Stirling's vision is that ‘all sports clubs in Stirling are exceptional in what they do so that the life changing impact of sports activity benefits everyone who lives here’. On the night there were seven exceptional volunteers from across different sports:
Gillian currently serves as President at Killearn Tennis Club. Taking an inclusive approach to the role she has: Reformatted their committee structure, instigated a new club vision and strategic plan, formed new partnerships with schools, attracted funding to the club and expanded the coaching, social and competition programme.
Alan is a first-class volunteer within sport in Dunblane. Despite minimal experience of the sport, he has dedicated hours every week and has undertaken roles as Secretary, Treasurer, Head Coach and number one taxi driver. He is on hand week in week out to help develop the sport and people within it.
Graeme is an amazing coach of the team, providing equal opportunities and creating a welcoming environment for all players. Graeme is patient and encouraging to support all players develop confidently in their own way, putting in incredible time and effort to enable that to happen.
Jim is Bridge of Allan Judo's longest serving member having joined the club in 1975 shortly after its founding. Now in their 50th year Jim continues to be an active member in training, coaching and as a club official, which are all voluntary roles. Jim has coached both senior and junior sessions, acted as club treasurer for over 30 years and served on the Allan Centre committee for over 10 years.
Josephine started helping at the club when her sons played, becoming Secretary for the 98 team and now for many years as the full club secretary. The work includes but is not limited to match reports, funding, booking pitches for full club, ensuring PVGs, badges etc are up to date. She has also been an integral part on planning and developing the club infrastructure to include girls’ teams and the Milton all stars. Truly making it a club for all.
Ruth was instrumental in setting up the club. Setting up a small committee with 35 members, to now a club with over 175. Ruth coaches’ juniors, district teams and senior league players.
Ruth was key in establishing the Central Netball Association, allowing competitive play for Stirling Netball Club players of all ages and abilities to play locally. She also helps walking netball and running the club social media.
Pat Griffin is the chair of Milton Football Club and was a founding member of the club over 50 years ago. He is still fully hands on with everything at the club which now has more than 15 successful teams from Children aged 3 all the way up to Amateur level. Pat is extremely well known in the community as Mr Milton and rightfully so!
The panel for the award, made of Active Stirling's Community Activation Officers, following an extremely difficult process selected Josephine Rodger as the winner.
Having great people in clubs is one of the ClubSport Stirling priority areas and we are incredibly lucky to have hundreds of them supporting local sport each day. We were overwhelmed to learn more about the nominees work and to have the opportunity to recognise them through this award as they are all winners in our eyes. Thank you to them all and well done to Josephine on the award. Keep up the great work!
Active Stirling supports ClubSport Stirling with dedicated officers to help implement their initiatives and develop the club network. This support includes priority access to facilities, coach education, funding administration, engagement and consultation with clubs, community/school links, and club planning.
I am absolutely delighted to have received the CLUBSPORT Service to sport award. There are so many amazing volunteers out there who deserve recognition and to be even nominated for the award was an honour in my eyes! Thank you to everyone for your kind words and support for the work I do for Milton FC and Bannockburn and Eastern Villages Community Hub. It means so much to me.
Find out more
You can learn more about the work of ClubSport Stirling and Scottish ClubSport on their websites below.
Image 1/Header image L-R - Graeme McCann (Cowie United 2014s), Gillian Johnstone (Killearn Tennis Club), Alan Robertson (Dunblane Cricket Club), James Mackin (Bridge of Allan Judo Club), Josephine Rodger (Milton Football Club), Pat Griffin (Milton Football Club)
Image 2 - Josephine Rodger, Milton Football Club.