At MACJAC we welcome Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteers to assist in coaching our young athletes, guided by our Athletics Coaches, Andy and Annie. Former MACJAC athletes have offered their time and service to the Junior Academy and have gone on to successfully achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. We are very grateful for their participation and have been so impressed by their engagement with the children and their enthusiasm in delivering athletics skills and drills.
In April following his death after a lifetime of service, our volunteers paid tribute to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, but thankful for the opportunities he gave to young athletes like myself through both his award scheme and patronage of the National Playing Fields Association.
The Duke dedicated himself to the service of others. His values permeate through the award scheme. Over the last 18 months I have completed my Bronze and Silver awards. Taking part in the scheme has enabled me to develop my coaching skills, to develop my interpersonal skills and challenge myself in ways I would have never considered before.
Pursuing my love of Athletics during the global pandemic has been a challenge. The Duke’s patronage of the National Playing Fields Association highlighted the need to protect urban green spaces from development. Many of these parks and green spaces have been used by people like myself, who were unable to meet for training at Athletics Clubs. I will always be thankful for him championing the needs of young people.
Saffron Butler
I was very sorry to learn of The Duke of Edinburgh’s death after all the good work he had done. I was lucky enough to take part in and complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award which saw me volunteering at my local athletics club, completing my overnight expedition and becoming involved in learning a new skill. I was very thankful for the opportunity as it has given me skills and confidence going in to adulthood and for my future career path. The scheme encouraged participation in community based activities and lead to me becoming a confident and capable young adult.
Anna Rose
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gave me the opportunity to learn valuable skills and also enabled me to give back to the club that helped me to develop my athletics. In my volunteering, I was able to pass on skills that I learnt in the sport and my experiences, which I hope have inspired and motivated these young athletes to pursue their sporting abilities.
I would encourage everyone to do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as I can’t express enough, the value of what it has taught me! I am so grateful to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for creating these awards and my thoughts and best wishes are with the Royal Family and his friends at this time.
Tottie Taylor
Whilst I was extremely saddened by the news of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, I am grateful for the opportunities that the DofE award gave me.
Throughout both the bronze and silver award, I volunteered as a coach at my athletics club. As the club offered guidance and development within my own journey as an athlete, I was keen to encourage others to adopt skills and enhance their sporting abilities. The DofE award allowed me to overcome challenges, build in confidence and gain an even greater respect for the people who volunteer time to benefit their community. Without the award scheme, I fear this is an opportunity that I, among many others, would not have initially reached for. I am incredibly grateful for the awards HRH created, and I would encourage other young adults to take the opportunity as well.
Ellie Chivers
Please contact the club if you would like to be considered for voluntary coaching.