LOCAL SPORTING TALENT IS COMMENDED AT THE SALFORD SPORTS NETWORK AWARDS

The Awards, in partnership with Salford Community Leisure, recognises the sporting achievements and the hard work and dedication of voluntary sports clubs and individuals across the city in all sports including football, rugby, athletics, swimming and more.

The event was hosted by BBC Radio Manchester’s Phil Trow and guest speaker, former European, Commonwealth & British Light Middleweight Boxing Champion, Jamie Moore, who both brought their energy and passion to the 120 guests.

88-year-old Don Donohue, who was born in Eccles, won a Changing Lifestyle Award. He did not do any physical activity before being referred to the city’s Postural Support Services following a fall two years ago. He is now a volunteer and helps inspires others, enjoying much improved fitness and balance. Don said: “I am very fortunate to have found this service and I enjoy encouraging others to get active in the community.”

15-year-old Jack Sheffield won the Disabled Sports Achiever award. As part of City of Salford Swimming Club, Jack, who has ADHD and Autism, gets up at 5am every day to train despite being on medication. He qualified for the National Summer Championships this year often competing with swimmers several years older than him always coming in the top 20.

Jack’s mum Pauling Curley, said:

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“Jack is delighted to win this award and has made us all very proud. He doesn’t let his ADHD and autism hold him back and has adored swimming since he was three.”

Nick Hird from IPRO Drinks with swimmer Jack Sheffield and boxer Jamie Moore

Speaker Jamie Moore, aged 38 and from Walkden, inspired the attendees with stories about his rise to success and his hopes for boxing and local young people in the local community.

Jaime Moore, said:

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“Grass-root sports is essential in creating the stars of the future, and coaches and helpers in the clubs are equally as important in the development and progress of those young people, to help them improve as individuals and achieve their goals.”

Paul Thomas, Club Development Officer at Salford Community Leisure, which runs the Salford Sports Network, said:

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“Sport is an essential part of any community and it enables communities to come together, building community spirit and promoting health and fitness.

“This year’s Salford Sports Awards has been biggest event yet and we are delighted with record numbers of nominations. “

 

This year there were three new awards and in total 14 people won 14 awards from over 30 nominations.

Irlam Endowed School won the Primary School Award and will go on to represent Salford in The Greater Manchester Sports Awards in November. Salford Mets won Club of the Year.

The winners of the Salford Sports Network Awards 2016/17 are:

Coach of the Year – Jack Carney – Salford Mets AC

(Jack is a very passionate coach and mentor and he’s instigated various sports initiatives and is well respected within his field. He works with schools, clubs and obesity awareness groups, chairing groups and working with GPs to highlight the benefits of health and fitness).

Volunteer of the Year – Ged McDermott – Salford Mets AC

Unsung Hero – Linda Guy – Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC

Sports Achiever – Liam Byrne – Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC

Disabled Sports Achiever – Jack Sheffield – City of Salford Swimming Club

Special Recognition Award – Richard Green – Roe Green CC

(Richard has dedicated 50 years to Roe Green Cricket Club managing teams and coaching people in the community).

Primary School Award – Irlam Endowed Primary School

Secondary School Award – Oakwood Academy

(Oakwood Academy is committed to providing the highest quality PE and school sport curriculum. This process involved vigorous planning, monitoring and evaluation management systems that promote the highest standards of opportunities for all the young people at the school; as a special needs school this is paramount to the school’s ethos).

Junior Team of the Year – City of Salford Swimming Club Junior Team

(The City of Salford Junior Team was crowned Age Group Top Club at the Lancashire County Championships for the fifth consecutive time, 2013, 14, 15, 16 and 2017 - something that no other team in the North West has ever achieved. At the National Championships in 2016 the team came 2nd in the Top Club Championships in England, our swimmers gaining 13 medals from eight different swimmers at this National meet which was a truly remarkable achievement by all concerned. This shows the strength and depth that our junior programme has at present.)

Senior Team of the Year – Irlam FC

(The team completed an unprecedented treble this season, winning the Cheshire premier Division league title, The Cheshire Premier League cup and the Cheshire u21’s League Challenge cup. The club have established strong links with the 6th form college at irlam & cadishead High school to recruit players, and are one of the few clubs in the area to have a u21 team, making the transition from youth to adult football).

Changing Lifestyle Award – Don Donohue

(86-year-old Do did not do any physical activity before being referred to the Postural Support Services following a fall two years ago. He is now a volunteer and helps inspires others; enjoying much improved fitness and balance).

 Club of the Year – Winner – Salford Mets AC

Main Photo : A L-R Mike Melling from sponsors Pelican Rouge with Don Donohue and Jamie Moore.

Story Supplied By Alison Short - Consultant - PR, Social & Communications