At the North West England Atheltics Awards the Lins were nominated in two categories

• Runtogether Group of the Year
• Shelby Williams Runtogether Leader of the Year

The ceremony took place in Wigan  and it was a fantastic evening, celebrating volunteers across the region who have made outstanding contributions to athletics and running.

The Club came runners up which was amazing after just 2 years and Shelby Williams won Runtogether Leader of the year!

Run Together Leader

Shelby Williams: Shelby funded her own qualifications to provide a great coaching experience. Not satisfied with leaving her learning there she developed her skills and knowledge further, by undertaking qualifications in biomechanics, fitness instructing, Mind Get Set to Go and Time to Change Mental Health Champions training, so she can provide a more inclusive and holistic approach. With a passion for supporting individuals to participate in sport from a wide range of backgrounds, she undertook her Guide Runner course and actively encourages others to become involved with that too. This work has led to the club supporting visually impaired runners as members and as part of the wider guide running network, with regular contact being made by visually impaired runners to support them in local races.

Keeping people safe in the club remains her priority and she has undertaken first aid and safeguarding training to compliment her coaching skills. She does all this as a volunteer alongside a full-time job and other caring responsibilities. Doing the things other coaches do, and so much more. Having a unique knack of knowing when someone needs extra support, she will make a call or just be at the end of a phone. Offering help however she can or signposting people to other professionals and support services.

Shelby has a truly person-centred approach to coaching, she understands individuals’ goals, challenges they face and provides an inclusive approach. People have the upmost trust in her and thrive because of that. She seeks feedback from others meaning everyone feels involved and valued and takes learnings from the experiences and opinions they share. She uses feedback to enhance and develop her skills and is never afraid to ask others for support. She actively encourages others to develop as leaders and coaches too, mentoring new coaches and leaders coming into the sport.

Chris Jones, England Athletics CEO, said:

“Our sport of athletics and running is built on the selfless and invaluable contribution that our amazing volunteers make. Through our Regional Volunteer Awards, we can put our volunteers in the spotlight, and celebrate the fantastic work that they do in their communities’, week in and out. We hope that the stories of our award winners and nominees can also inspire other people to get involved in our great sport.

“Congratulations and well done to all our award winners and finalists; and thank you to all volunteers across our sport. It can’t happen without you.”