Jenny Platt
Jenny has volunteered for over 3years as a sports leader at a centre for disadvantaged and disaffected young people for up to 15hrs per week coaching sessions, administration, leaflet design and officiating. She helps out by producing publicity and promotion of a project called “Participation Through Sport” which focuses on sporting opportunities for less advantaged young people.
She volunteers in local schools as an assistant coach in various sports including F/Ball, Short tennis, Tri Golf, Badminton. She referees at football tournaments, sustains a local football team which was set up to help integrate disadvantaged children into the local community, volunteered as a photographer on a FA fun Day, responsible for the administration on a FA Listening to Children Project, was a Sports Leader on a two day February Winter Games, coached on the Rugby Tag and Sports Flag Day organised in conjunction with Warrington Collegiate.
Having previously been heavily bullied at school and college herself, Jenny had dropped out of the education system altogether and was at risk herself. By encouraging her to take part in a volunteering project, Jenny has blossomed into someone with more confidence, always happy to help and a real delight to work with. She has given over 350hours of volunteering and still continues to show her commitment to support young people to become involved in sport.
She particularly focuses on those who have little confidence/esteem and takes time out to support them, offer guidance & encouragement. Examples of her outstanding commitment includes her personal efforts to adapt her session to ensure inclusion for a wheelchair user who was new to the group - and not only gave the individual more confidence throughout the session but also encouraged team mates to support the changes which proved to be rewarding to all players. This was particularly difficult as this was the first time she had taken a group of hard to reach groups on her own and then managed to overcome potential barriers from the players and barriers regarding use of space and the individuals lack of self confidence.
In addition she took the lead role in facilitating a weeks sporting activities for sixty young people of varying needs and disabilities (both physical and mental) taking responsibility for management of the event, team organisation, structure of the day, timetable and the youngsters themselves. She also managed her peers who were present! She constantly wants to be involved and strives constantly to overcome her own shyness to ensure others have a rewarding and fun experience. She has taken endless courses to develop her own skills and continually build her own low confidence such as: level 1 F/Ball, First Aid, GPCP, Coaching Disabled Performers, Disability Athletics, Rugby Union leaders Award, Football Referee, Tri Golf, Rugby Union Ref, Fundamentals of movement, Rugby League leaders Award and Asdan Health and Fitness Awards.
The local summer scheme which supports over 80 disadvantaged children ran a lot more smoothly and recruitment numbers for the following year has increased thanks to Jenny! She provides the opportunity for young people to experience a wide array of sports, providing a positive experience in a friendly, welcoming environment. The centre relies heavily on volunteers to support young people who do not have the resources to take part in sport.
She has fantastic personal qualities. These are reflected in the sensitive and inclusive manner in which she treats children as a Sports Leader and helps them to overcome their own obstacles or concerns.
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