Prestigious sports awards receive their first nomination
- 9th July 2010

A Hull-based train operating company, which has teamed up with local radio station KCFM 99.8 to organise an initiative recognising the talent and dedication to sport shown by people in the region, is delighted to have received its first nomination.

First Hull Trains was pleased to receive the first nomination for the Hull and East Yorkshire Sporting Heroes and Champions Awards - which will culminate in a glittering awards ceremony at KC Stadium in December - via the website that is dedicated to it: www.heysportsawards.co.uk

The first nomination for this year's awards was submitted in the category of Amateur Club of the Year for Hessle Sporting Club by its volunteer coach, Richard Fisk.

The football club is already looking like a strong candidate with an impressive list of achievements to its name. The club has grown from just 16 members to 160 in three years making it one of, if not the largest, junior club in the East Riding of Yorkshire. If the club continues to grow at its projected rate over the next three years, it could potentially have an incredible 38 teams, with children ranging from ages 4 to 9, by 2013.

The family oriented club, which has operated in the region for over 40 years, boasts some of the region's most committed coaches, all of whom are FA qualified and CRB checked.

In support of the nomination for his club, Mr Fisk said: "The club has had a 100 per cent increase in members over the last three years, showing how dedicated our volunteer coaches are to getting kids more involved in sport.

"We're much more than just a football club, forging links with schools and promoting the sport, most recently working in partnership with Ainthorpe Primary School to run a tournament for its 75th anniversary.

"All of our coaches are volunteers and our head coach, George Quinn, who is in his 70s now and has been coaching since his 20s, is largely responsible for the huge influx of members we have had over the last few years.

"The club is just a great family oriented club, we're all very dedicated. In summer, all the volunteers take a week off their jobs to run a soccer fun week for the children while they're off school. Over the last few years, we've built the club up again from new and whilst it hasn't gone entirely unnoticed it has passed some people by. It would be great for everyone to recognise the work we do."

David Townend, sales and marketing manager for First Hull Trains, said: "Almost as soon as we had opened the awards for nominations online, we received the entry from Hessle Sporting Club.

"We're really pleased with the response we've received to the awards so far. The success surrounding last year's event means that people are well aware of the initiative in its second year. Ultimately it'll mean that this year's event is even bigger and better."

For more information please do not hesitate to contact First Hull Trains' press team at Mercury. Please ring Kelly Todd or Gabrielle Meade on 01482 869553 www.mercury-marketing.co.uk