As a momentous sporting year draws to a close, some of Cheshire East's unsung heroes were honoured at the Council's annual sports awards.
Now in its third year, the awards seek to recognise the time and dedication put in by volunteers, coaches, clubs and athletes to develop sport across Cheshire East.
Amongst the winners were Alderley Edge Hockey Club, who were named Club of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Hockey Club President Ed Johnson said "We have won the prestigious 'Cheshire East Club Sports Club of the Year' award two years running now. We are also runners up in the 2012 European Hockey Club Of the Year awards. The club is thriving with membership up by 46% over the last 2 years, the number of teams playing each Saturday has grown to 15 and we are delivering a popular junior hockey programme in local community schools . Every Thursday night and Friday morning we offer sessions for ladies returning to the game or just starting out. Every Sunday morning we run age group sessions for over 170 children at our own pitch on The Ryleys playing field. Our £520,000 investment in the 'Edge Hockey Centre' opened last October 2011 is reaping real dividends for the club and the community."
Alderley Edge Hockey Club Secretary and community Coach, Kelvin Briggs was also named Volunteer of the Year.
Kelvin said "We have a fantastic team of volunteers at the Club and my award is really one for the team. Our coaches, parents and young leaders and players put so much effort in to providing 'Sport for All' at the club and the local community. We are planning a number of exciting new initiatives including a hockey programme for people with disability and learning difficulties starting in February 2013.
"We have won a number of awards in recent years at the Club and I'm so pleased that Cheshire East Council have recognised not only my own personal efforts but also the clubs and my own ongoing commitment to the people of the village and local communities."
The event, held this year at Cranage Hall, is organised by the Council's leisure and play department.
Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor George Walton presented the awards. He said: "The year 2012 will go down in history as a great sporting year. The awards ceremony recognises those at the grass-roots level who have a passion for sport and represent Cheshire East.
"Many of the people who received awards have dedicated a lot of time to excelling in their chosen sport or guiding others towards their dreams and it was good to meet them."
Photo: Cllr Walton with Volunteer of the Year Kelvin Briggs.
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