England Athletics Awards

We are thrilled to announce that our Chairman, Jack Rutherford, has been recognised at the England Athletics South East regional Volunteer Awards. Jack was presented with the “Volunteer of the Year” gong at the awards ceremony last night, and will now be considered for the national awards in Coventry next week.

Jack has served Walton AC in multiple capacities since 1985, first as a cross country athlete, progressing into track and field as a 400m and 800m specialist. Since then, he has served the club as a coach, official, team manager and committee member, and now Club Chairman. His generosity with his time and hospitality needs no introduction to club members, who all know we can rely on a friendly, supportive and calm presence at training, racing and events.

Jack was nominated by members of the club and his coaching group, and recognised by England Athletics for the broad span of his volunteering activities across all ages, abilities and aspects of the sport, but in particular his hard work in the delivery of the Waterside Drive project with maximum benefit for the Club and the Sport as a whole.

Jack, we are so very proud of you!

In the words of the nomination:

“As a coach, chairman, team manager, official (club, county and region) and athlete, since 1985 Jack has given his all to Walton AC, which would undoubtedly have struggled without him. In 2017 he also steered the delivery of a stunning new stadium, balancing club needs with community investment by the council. He coaches a diverse ‘all welcome’ group and is always seen where club athletes compete, team or individuals, near or far. Friendly, positive, approachable; he helps all athletes, no matter their age or ability to reach their full potential, with obvious pride in their achievements, including notable international success by masters women. His hospitality and generosity is second to none, regularly inviting athletes to his home for food after racing.

Jack, a rare gem, deserves recognition for giving his time so generously. He delivers the EA Mission inclusively, welcoming and encouraging a diverse group of athletes and proactively developing the club within the wider athletics community.”