The Fylde Active Community Awards celebrate the individuals, clubs, and organisations that make a significant impact on sports and activities within the Fylde community. Recognising exceptional contributions and dedication, these awards showcase the vibrant spirit and commitment of the local community.
The awards ceremony is a prestigious event that brings together athletes, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders to honour their achievements. It provides a platform to highlight the positive impact of sports and activities on the lives of individuals and the community as a whole.
The winners of the Fylde Active Community Awards 2024 will have the opportunity to represent the district at the Lancashire Sports Awards, further elevating their achievements and recognition on a regional level.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Karen Buckley has expressed her thanks:
“On behalf of Fylde Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been nominated for a Fylde Active Community Award. The dedication, hard work, and commitment to our community demonstrated by every single nominee is truly inspiring.
Your contributions to sports, activities, and the well-being of our residents are invaluable. The awards ceremony is a celebration of your achievements and a recognition of the positive impact you make on the lives of others.
Thank you for everything you do. Your efforts are a testament to the spirit of our community and help to make it a thriving place.”
Fylde Active Community Awards finalists:
Contribution to Active Communities
St Annes Cricket Club
St Annes Cricket Club is a cornerstone of the local community, providing a nurturing environment for young people to develop their cricket skills and values. Their dedicated volunteer committee and coaches work tirelessly to offer cricket opportunities year-round, from All Stars and Dynamos programmes to junior and senior teams. They foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging boys and girls to play together at all levels.
Fylde Rugby Community Foundation
The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation is dedicated to fostering a love of sport and physical activity within the community. They offer a wide range of programmes, catering to individuals aged 3 to 100, including schools-based initiatives, holiday camps, and specialised programmes like Wheelchair Rugby. Their commitment to inclusivity shines through in their diverse offerings, which have positively impacted thousands of children and adults in the Fylde Coast.
Rebecca Liddel – Rarity School of Dance
Rebecca Liddell is a dedicated dance instructor and mentor who empowers young people to overcome challenges and build confidence. Through her inspiring teaching, she fosters teamwork, discipline, and a positive outlook on life. Rebecca’s commitment to her students extends beyond dance, creating a supportive and caring community for both children and parents.
Secondary School of the Year
Lytham High School
Lytham High School is known for its athletic excellence, with students excelling in various sports. Fostering a culture of achievement and community engagement, the school participates in competitions and partners with local organisations. Students have demonstrated exceptional talent, earning achievements and awards. The school’s leadership programme empowers students to contribute to the local sports community.
St Bede’s High School
St Bede’s High School offers a variety of sports clubs, ensuring all students have equal opportunities to participate. The school’s teams have achieved success in tag rugby, cricket, and rounders, winning tournaments at local and county levels. This demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing inclusive and engaging sports programmes.
Carr Hill High School
Carr Hill High School is actively engaged in various initiatives. The school’s commitment to responsibility is evident in their fundraising efforts, with 100 students participating in a walk for the RNLI. Additionally, the school’s Dance Academy has taken part in regional competitions and festivals, performing at venues like the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. These activities demonstrate Carr Hill’s dedication to enriching the lives of its students and the wider community.
Primary School of the Year
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School
At the heart of the school lies a commitment to fostering physically active children. This commitment is deeply ingrained within their teaching and learning culture, ensuring that children understand the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. St Joseph’s Primary students can confidently articulate the positive impact that physical activity has on their overall health and wellbeing.
Ansdell Primary School
Ansdell Primary School collaborated with Clifton Homecare to foster community engagement and promote age-diverse interactions. This partnership led to approximately 16 older community members and their families joining the school for a walk. Additionally, the school offers a diverse range of afterschool clubs throughout the academic year, ensuring that students have opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills.
Mayfield Primary School
Mayfield Primary School offers its own dedicated theatre for performing arts, providing students with opportunities for creative expression. The school fosters an inclusive environment, where all students feel valued and supported. Additionally, the school has impressive athletic facilities, including a football stadium, cricket square, and netball pitch, further enhancing the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
Young Achiever of the Year
Arran Gorry
Arran, a 10-year-old with a massive heart, has had an exceptional year. He has excelled in swimming, achieving high-level technical proficiency and winning numerous medals. Arran has also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service, raising over £6000 for charities through his active involvement in local and national fundraising efforts. In addition to his swimming and charitable endeavours, Arran has begun his rookie lifeguard training and recently completed the distance swim of the English Channel in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Lola Connor-Emmott
17-year-old Lola, a dedicated dancer since the age of three, has achieved remarkable success. She has won three NODA (National Operatic and Drama Association) awards and a Drama scholarship at AKS, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication. Lola’s captivating performances have earned her widespread praise, with many people admiring her stage presence and saying she “lights up the stage.” Her achievements and dedication make her a standout performer in her field.
Bethany Harrison
Bethany, a 17-year-old volunteer, has made a significant impact on her community. Her commitment to helping others, both through her volunteer work at Across the Boards Theatre School and her involvement in various community initiatives, demonstrates her selflessness and desire to make a positive difference. Bethany’s hard work and dedication have also led to her own success as a performer, with numerous awards and accolades to her name.
Volunteer of the Year
Harry McNally
Harry, a dedicated young volunteer, has made a significant contribution to the AFC Fylde Community Foundation. Since the age of 13, he has actively supported the Foundation with the Fans of the Future programme, Community Corner activities, and matchday duties. Harry has volunteered over 150 hours and worked with over 450 children. In addition to his work with the Foundation, Harry also volunteers as a junior referee for local football teams.
Keith Drury
Keith is a dedicated volunteer at YMCA FC, contributing over 500 hours per season. His responsibilities include organising fixtures, setting up the pitch, and welcoming spectators. Keith’s selfless dedication has led to the formation of new teams at YMCA FC, and he embodies the club’s ethos of providing equal opportunities for all. Keith is always on hand to help and ensure things run smoothly. His contributions have been invaluable to the club.
Darran Ames
Darran is a dedicated volunteer who plays a crucial role in the success of Park View junior parkrun. Darran has numerous key roles on a Sunday morning and also manages the behind-the-scenes paperwork and administration to ensure the ethos of parkrun is adhered to. His over 400 volunteer hours for both Park View junior parkrun and Lytham Hall parkrun demonstrate his unwavering dedication to the cause. Thanks to Darran and his core team, Park View junior parkrun is able to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for young people in the community.
Health and Wellbeing Award
Double Trouble Fitness
Double Trouble Fitness was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown into a thriving community. The group offers a variety of fitness classes both online and in-person, catering to people of all ages and abilities. The community provides a supportive network for individuals seeking fitness, friendship, and improved mental health. Members of Double Trouble Fitness have praised the group’s fun, supportive, and professional atmosphere.
Lytham St Annes u3a
LSA u3a is a thriving community organisation with nearly 500 members, many of whom are over 75 years old. The group offers a wide range of activities, including Tai Chi, Chess, language classes, trips, walking groups, and birdwatching. By providing opportunities for socialising and learning, LSA u3a helps to combat loneliness and improve the well-being of its members. The organisation has been active in St Annes for 40 years, fostering a sense of community and connection among its members.
Euphoria Dance and Therapy
Euphoria Dance and Therapy is a welcoming and inclusive dance studio that offers a variety of activities for children and adults. The studio’s commitment to creating a positive and supportive environment allows individuals of all ages and abilities to thrive, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Through their participation in community events and dance classes, students have opportunities to shine, gain confidence, and improve their overall well-being.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
IHope Fylde Tossers
The litter pick group has made a significant impact on the local environment, organising weekly litter picks at three locations and additional cleanups during holidays and special events. The group’s efforts have helped to keep the streets, town, coast, and beach clean and tidy. Anyone can join the group, and participation has increased due to its positive impact on mental health and well-being. The group also serves as a Duke of Edinburgh assessor, providing volunteer opportunities for young people and working with schools to promote environmental awareness.
One Fylde
The recycling group provides valuable opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to contribute to the community and gain valuable skills. By collecting cardboard and plastics and sorting them for recycling, the group is making a positive impact on the environment. The physically challenging work is rewarding and provides a sense of purpose for the individuals involved. Additionally, the gardening group works to maintain and tidy gardens in the community, learning about horticulture and developing new skills along the way.
Janice Copeland
Janice is a dedicated volunteer who regularly conducts litter picks in the villages of Warton and Freckleton. Her commitment to keeping her community clean is unwavering, as she consistently carries out her litter picking activities regardless of the weather. Janice’s efforts to keep the estuary clean demonstrate her dedication to environmental protection.
Coach of the Year
Natalie Hull
Natalie established Lytham St Annes Softball Club, creating an inclusive community for players of all ages and abilities. She coaches adults and juniors, works in local schools, and has been selected as Head Coach for the Great Britain Under 16s Men’s Softball Team. Natalie’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in her support for players with SEND (Special educational needs and disabilities), and she has coached three young players through to the GB program. Her passion, support, and encouragement are invaluable to the LSA Softball Club community.
Chris Nay
Chris Nay, the founder of CN Active, is a dedicated coach who offers fun and engaging activities for young people. His programmes help children build confidence, improve cognitive skills, and promote health and well-being within their communities. His holiday activities are particularly popular for their enjoyable and engaging nature. Chris’s commitment to grassroots sports and his positive influence on young people have made him a respected role model in the community.
Daniel Hankinson
Daniel is a dedicated and compassionate coach who has positively impacted numerous young athletes. His patient and encouraging approach has enabled children to enjoy their sport while developing essential skills. Daniel’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment has made him a beloved figure among both athletes and parents. His passion for coaching and his commitment to his students are evident in their enthusiasm and achievements.
Club of the Year
Lytham St Annes Road Runners
Lytham St Annes Road Runners Club is a welcoming community established in 1998 that caters to runners of all levels. In addition to road running, the club participates in athletics, cross country, and fell running. The club organises the renowned Green Drive Five and St Annes Carnival 5k & Fun Run, and is committed to supporting individuals who are new to running or returning to the sport.
Fylde Netball Club
Fylde Netball Club is a thriving community that promotes a positive and inclusive environment for young netball players. With dedicated coaches who prioritise skill development, confidence building, and social interaction, the club offers a variety of opportunities for young athletes to grow and enjoy the sport. Fylde Netball Club has become a popular choice for those seeking a welcoming and supportive environment to develop their skills and passion for netball.
Across the Boards Theatre School
Across the Boards Theatre School offers a safe and nurturing environment for students aged 3 to 18 to develop their theatre and dance skills. The school’s individualised approach allows students to progress at their own pace while being encouraged to reach their full potential. With a supportive and engaging atmosphere, Across the Boards helps students build confidence, develop valuable skills, and discover a sense of hope for their futures. The school’s commitment to affordability ensures that all students have access to these enriching experiences.
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