Stoke at the forefront of sports volunteering |
Stoke on Trent City Council has one of the most advanced community sports volunteering schemes
Whether you are retired, looking for a change in career, a student looking for a work placement or
Matt Kendall, 2012 Sports Volunteer Coordinator for the West Midlands said, “Having a vibrant sporting culture in Stoke depends on having volunteers. These volunteers can make a massive difference to young people doing the sport, while also having a good time and gaining skills and experience – it’s a real win win.”
Volunteers that choose to take part can start by supporting trained staff and more experienced volunteers in developing and running multi-sports sessions, but then gain qualifications and if they want to progress, to become leaders themselves.
As well as the sports leadership, volunteers can support with administration, youth work and support and project development. Vanessa Darlington, Stoke on Trent’s 2012 Coordinator said, “In difficult economic times it is a fantastic way to build your CV, skills and experience for the future, as well as making a real difference to the community”.
The City Council also provide a strong support system and training and development to volunteers including courses such as the following:
If you are interested in becoming a sports volunteer or require more information please contact Sport & Leisure Services on Telephone: 01782 235001 or email: leisure.services@stoke.gov.uk
Chris Turner
Sporting legends honoured by Stoke-on-Trent
Two of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous sons, Sir Stanley Matthews and Phil Taylor, have been officially inducted into the city’s Sporting Hall of Fame.
The pair are the first two inductees, and Phil and Sir Stan’s daughter Jean Gough were presented with certificates at a ceremony today. Phil and Sir Stan also had their names engraved into a special commemorative honours board as part of the event.
The city council plans to add more famous names from the city’s sporting past to the honours board in years to come, commemorating the service they have given to the city and their legacy in the sporting world.
Phil has just won his 15th World Darts Championship, beating Simon Whitlock 7-3 in the final at the Alexandra Palace in London. Phil has also won twice as many professional tournaments as any other competitor and has won nearly 60 tournaments throughout his career.
On receiving his award he said: “It’s amazing to be in the same company as someone like Sir Stan. I met him plenty of times throughout my career, and I always looked up to him. If ever I did anything wrong he would put me right. I feel really honoured to be here today and to get this award.
“I came from a very simple beginning. I held down three jobs and that was because I had a family to look after, but I’ve worked hard and I’ve got to where I am now. I’d never forget Stoke-on-Trent. I see lots of Robbie Williams and when we get together, that’s all we talk about - Stoke-on-Trent.
“It feels great to represent the city in all the tournaments I play in around the world, it’s an amazing feeling and I feel proud to be honoured alongside someone like Sir Stan.”
The Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Ross Irving, said: “Phil is an excellent representative of the city, and one of which we can all be proud. I don’t think anyone should dispute the fact that darts is a sport, and that makes Phil the greatest player in its history. We are rightfully proud of his achievements and the contribution he has made to the city.”
Sir Stanley Matthews played for Stoke City over 300 times and over 50 times for England. He is the only player to have been knighted while still playing and was the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards. Jean Gough is Sir Stanley Matthews daughter, and spoke of both her father’s legacy, and her pride at him being honoured by the city: “It’s wonderful that Stoke-on-Trent has never forgotten him, and I thank everyone who still remembers him to this day.
“I’m so proud that the city has chosen my dad as one of the first people to be in the Sporting Hall of Fame. He died ten years ago this year, but his legacy goes on here and in all the places he worked to set up the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation, from America to Africa. I’m so proud of the work he did and that he is being recognised for it here.
“It’s strange to see his picture everywhere and people often ask me what it feels like to be Stanley Matthews’ daughter. I just reply that he was my dad, and everyone loves their dad. That’s what he was to me.”
The city’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Jean Bowers, added: “My family lived near to Sir Stan’s family when we were growing up. He was a great ambassador for the city and he was also a great man. We are so proud to have him as one of the first inductees and his memories as one of the city’s best sportsman will live on.”
For all media enquiries contact Phil Bowers in the PR and Communications Department at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 232017.
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