Three Harrogate Town volunteers have been recognised with the highly acclaimed High Sheriff Award, presented by Clare Granger, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire.
Harrogate Town volunteers presented with High Sheriff Award Three Harrogate Town volunteers have been recognised with the highly acclaimed High Sheriff Award, presented by Clare Granger, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire. Clare visited Harrogate Town's Community Foundation HQ in Harrogate Community House earlier this week.
She enjoyed a short tour and met with tenants, finding out about each organisation, their impact on the local community and their volunteers.
And Clare presented High Sheriff Awards to a volunteer trio in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Community Foundation, and specifically the Walking Football Programme.
Rod Clifton, Bernie O'Brien and Tom Robinson form the Volunteer Committee responsible for overseeing the club's Walking Football sessions, fixtures and competition entries - with help and support provided by the Community Foundation's Health & Well-being Officer, Steve Pattison.
Rod said:
"I was extremely honoured to receive this award from the High Sheriff, in recognition of the work that Bernie, Tom and I contribute towards the successful running of Harrogate Town Community Foundation's walking football programme.
"I don't think any of us were expecting this, but we are proud of how our numbers have grown, with 89 players now on our 'books'!"
The trio have been involved in the programme since its inception in 2018 and have been the driving force in the continued growth and success of the sessions.
They now have over 70 players participating weekly, with three teams competing regularly and the recent addition of a Women's session.
Bernie said:
"Organising walking football for players of different ages and abilities is challenging but massively rewarding - they get real enjoyment from the activities we arrange, whether competitive or more socially focused.
"We're happily able to say we get positive feedback that the players genuinely appreciate the work we do, which ordinarily I would have said is all we could ask for.
"But many thanks to the Community Foundation for nominating us for the award from the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire for community service. It was something of a surprise bonus and a humbling one at that."
Tom Robinson added:
"As I grew older I thought that the game that I love to play had well and truly passed me by, as I suspect it did for a lot of our players and so when walking football came along I jumped at the chance not only to play but also to help out by volunteering to organise and deliver some of our weekly sessions.
"For many of our players playing football and meeting up with friends is the highlight of their week with the added bonus of keeping fit and active.
"It's a real pleasure being involved in helping the local community maintain their health and fitness, working alongside members of the Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation."
Head of Foundation, Jill Stacey said:
"We are very proud of the work our volunteers undertake within the local community. We would like to place on record our thanks to Tom, Rod and Bernie for their continued commitment to the positive and welcoming environment they have created at Walking Football.
"Their dedication and hard work to the growth of this programme is remarkable and all three fully deserve the recognition in the form of the High Sheriff Award. Congratulations!"
Harrogate Town are always looking for others who want to make a difference to the lives of those within the Harrogate & District area.
If you are interested in volunteering within any of their programmes, get in touch via community@harrogatetownafc.com
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