Sawley announced as Sport England winners
by Alan Rowley, 2nd November 2002

Sawley and Long Eaton Park Cricket Club have been announced as the East Midlands Regional Winners of Sport England's 2002 Volunteer Investment Programme (VIP) Awards.

Volunteers in sport represent the backbone of English Sport, and the annual VIP Awards recognise the good practice and effort of sporting organisations to recruit, develop and retain volunteers.

A presentation of the Winners Award took place prior to the club's Annual General Meeting, on Thursday 31 October 2002, at their West Park clubhouse. The Club will also go forward as the East Midlands representatives in the National VIP Awards, due for announcement during early December 2002.

Pictured at the presentation evening are L to R: Fred Miller (Sport England, East Midlands Region); Ian McLean (Club Chairman); Councillor Bill Camm (Club President) and David Dooley (Club Volunteer Manager)

Other East Midlands organisations - Asfordby Ladies and Girls Amateur Football Club; Corby Athletic Club and Kibworth Rugby Club, were highly commended by the judging panel for their efforts.

Sawley and Long Eaton Park Cricket Club were recognised for the outstanding effort they have made in advancing their previous volunteer management practices.

The Club’s Volunteer Manager, David Dooley outlined the secret to their success: “We would describe our approach as 'modern' - matching people's agendas with club requirements. For example, we now buy in teas - gone are the days of pleading with people to organise the teas. Volunteers are matched to their own needs and aspirations.”

The Club has reaped the benefits of this approach, with efforts leading to the formation of two new junior teams last season, at both ends of the age group – Under 17 and Under 11, and for the 2003 season, the Club will field a 5th Senior Team.

The club's website contains useful volunteer support and communications segments. It is also progressing towards submitting a bid to the Sport England Lottery Fund to enhance facilities, in context of their recent expansion and increased demand. In addition, the Club will announce its intentions to seek Sport England/England & Wales Cricket Board Clubmark accreditation (a standard mark of a quality sporting organisation) as the Erewash Cricket Development's Group nominee.

David provided a very clear message for other clubs looking for a way forward “The investment in volunteers by the club is about securing its long term future and well being”. Sawley and Long Eaton Park Cricket Club stand as an example and an inspiration to other clubs and remind sport that getting the basics right (i.e. looking after volunteers), is worth it.