The Reigate & Banstead Sports Awards, organised by rb sport, were held at the Old Reigatians Rugby Club in Reigate last Monday 3 October. The awards were aimed at recognising and rewarding talented local athletes, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs for their outstanding achievements in sport over the past 12 months.
YMCA East Surrey’s Boccia Club were delighted to receive the award for Club of the Year, which was presented to them by Laura Mangan Community Sports Manager from GLL (Better). Representatives from all the companies that sponsored the different awards were present, as was Cllr David Powell, the Mayor of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead.
The Boccia Club applied for Sport England’s Clubmark in 2015, passing Level 1 with flying colours and becoming the only Boccia Club in England to hold this accreditation. In February 2016, the Club achieved Level 2 Accreditation.
“Our club members didn’t know we had won until it was announced on the night and this means so much to them,” said the YMCA’s Head Coach, Katie Gatt. “They’ve all worked so hard to get where they are now and all they want to do is play as many people and teams as possible. Their confidence and ability has grown massively and we will be putting in three teams to play in the Surrey League this season. The Club has seen an influx of new members recently and we desperately need more time and space to practice and play. We are eagerly awaiting the day that the new YMCA Inclusive Sports Facility is completed in Redhill and we will be able to expand our Boccia provision even further.”
