The Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme is very popular with over 1000 schools and clubs participating. Over £2 million is allocated to this scheme every year.
Participating clubs select one young person (aged 11-25) to receive an achievement award with the winner receiving a framed certificate and £250 to be spent within the club. The money must be spent on items the winner feels will benefit the club, not the individual. Examples of purchases include club t-shirts, tent, noticeboard and spikes.
Each month, members of the club are invited to make suggestions for the recipient of the award. To win the award the recipient does not have to be the fastest or best athlete. They do need to be exceptionally hard working or to have done something really positive for other people and the club. It is especially important that the younger members of the club nominate athletes for this as well as parents, coaches and older members.
Once nominations have been collected, the recipient will be chosen by the committee. The Jack Petchey co-coordinator will inform the recipient that they have won the award. The recipient will be presented with the certificate, and decide how they would like the money spent. All members of the club are encouraged to come up with ideas to go on a 'wish list' of items they feel will benefit the club, although ultimately it is the recipient's choice of how the money is spent.
Adults (over 21) who are leaders/volunteers can also be recognized and appreciated through the Leaders Award Scheme. This scheme is run on an annual basis, you can vote at any time during the year. Our previous Leader Award winners have been Juliet Kavangh, Kate Jenrick, Terry Driscoll and Graham Norris. More recently Rhonda Munnik and Sarah Chapman have been recognised for their work at our club with Leader Awards. Leader award winners receive a certificate, medallion and they can also apply for a small grant (max. £750) to be spent on a project that benefits the club.
How You Can Help
All club members are encouraged to nominate young athletes (aged 11-25) for the monthly award using our online nomination form. Nomination forms will also be available in the clubroom, next to the Jack Petchey box.
Nominate items to go on the club wish list by emailing me at the address below or letting your coach know. There are restrictions on what the money can be used for, though not many! Equipment, team clothing, attending a major athletics meeting are all fine. Paying travel expenses, accommodation, or equipment/clothing specifically for 1 or 2 individuals is not. If you are not sure whether something is eligible for the wish list then nominate it anyway and our area grants officer can confirm if it is appropriate or not.
Hall of Fame
Check out our Hall of Fame! Latest winners can be found on our achievement winners page.
Additional Information
Visit the Jack Petchey website to find out more about the scheme.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Highgate Harriers to recognise Young Athletes and Leaders of the club who have achieved something significant for themselves and the club. If you have any further questions about the scheme feel free to ask myself or visit the excellent website.
Graham Norris
Jack Petchey Scheme co-coordinator