Two Dudley Council workers are jumping for joy after winning awards for their dedication to sport.
Rachael McKiernan-Doyle from Dudley Council’s sport and physical activity team has been named a ‘safeguarding star’ by the NSPCC child protection in sport unit (CPSU).
Rachael received her award for her work with Dudley Safeguarding Children Board and the Black Country Be Active Partnership. The award was presented by basketball star John Amaechi, to celebrate ten years of the CPSU working to ensure the safeguarding of children is at the forefront of sport.
The awards are presented to people who have made a difference by going the extra mile to promote safeguarding in sport and who are an example to others.
Rachael’s work has included developing Seal which is an association for sports coaches and providers, who deliver sport and physical activity in Dudley. Seal ensures providers have the correct practices in place to deliver sessions safely.
Gavin Haynes, Dudley Council’s head coach for cricket, has been awarded the title of coach of the year at the annual Black Country Sport and Physical Activity Awards for his dedication to the sport.
Gavin, an ex Worcestershire County Cricket Club player,has been coaching youngsters for 15 years through the Sportlink scheme for primary schools which runs sports lessons and after school clubs as well as managing the borough’s Chance to Shine programme. This is a national campaign which aims to help young people acquire important skills, values and attitudes for their future lives.
Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said:
“Congratulations to both Gavin and Rachael on their awards. We already have a wealth of sporting talent in the borough and It’s fantastic to see the next generation of sportspeople being developed.”
