The awards are designed to recognise exceptional dedication and commitment by an individual to local urban sports projects. The most recent award was presented to Sarah Collins, coach of the Dominoes Junior Netball Club, for the outstanding contribution she has made over a number of years and she features in this CityTV video about Dominoes and their award.
Sarah (pictured with Alex Williams) was presented with her award at City’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur by Connell Awards manager and former Manchester City goalkeeper, Alex Williams MBE.
The East Manchester netball club founded their junior section in 2003 and have been serving girls aged 6 – 16 in the local community ever since. The funding from Manchester City means that their coaching sessions are even more accessible than ever, and means that Dominoes coaches now have the resources to reach more young people in East Manchester by going in to local schools.
Alex Williams MBE, Connell Awards Manager said: “CITC has worked with Sarah over a number of years and her commitment to Dominoes is fantastic in taking the club from a small Community set up to the where it is today. We hope the award and new equipment will continue to provide a sustainable sports programme well into the future.”
Coach Sarah Collins said: “We have always worked closely with Manchester City FC / City in the Community since we were established in 2003. This latest support has come at just the right time. Not only has the Connell Award given us support financially, but it’s also helped develop the structure and marketing of the club.
It’s very exciting to be a part of the growth and development of Manchester’s Premier League Football Club and it’s nice to see that the Club’s development is not only on the pitch but evidently it is as much within the East Manchester Community surrounding the Etihad stadium.
...Dominoes coach Sarah Collins
Previous awards have been given to East Manchester sports clubs Ardwick Lads Boxing Club, Abraham Moss Warriors and AFC Clayton.
Nominations can still be made for people who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to local urban sports projects, and who wish to make an additional contribution to grassroots sport in East Manchester.
The award carries with it a monetary grant of between £300 and £5,000 with which the recipient can purchase new equipment or extend the provision of community coaching programmes of the sports club they represent. For further information or to submit a nomination for a Connell Award, please visit www.mcfc.co.uk/connellaward
