The nominations keep coming through – here’s one for the Sports Volunteer of the Year category – GERRY HOLLAND
Gerry’s involvment with football in the Barrow area goes back some way! He was awarded for FIFTY YEARS service to schools’ football in 2013- so my maths makes that 51 years now!
Gerry is a retired headteacher – during his time as head of Victoria Junior School in Barrow he ran the Barrow Primary Schools football and organised all of the leagues, fixtures and events across the region. Earlier this year when the Barrow Primary Schools Football Association was launched, it was born from an idea initially thought of by Gerry. This group has now began to organise and take on the running of the school leagues and competitions but they are still utilizing Gerry’s knowledge, contacts and all round enthusiasm.
“Gerry has guided this group on the legalities of becoming affiliated to the Football Association, assisted with funding opportunities and generally being a point of call when we don’t know what to do.”
His tireless enthusiasm for providing opportunities for primary aged boys and girls has allowed thousands of children to enjoy football in Barrow area. Gerry is still highly active in the association and he still organises the Barrow School’s athletics tournaments in the summer term as well. Retirement has not stopped Gerry at all. He thinks nothing of dropping off kits to schools and turns up to all the tournaments and events.
This year the group decided to create a new trophy in honour of his amazing work. The Gerry Holland Football trophy had its first winners in May of this year. He is an amazing character, and if It had not being for him, Barrow Primary School’s football would not be where it is today. He was, and remains a driving force in providing sporting opportunities for children in the Barrow area.
Gerry is an incredibly humble and modest man. The fact he has been retired for so long but still wants to play an active role in the association is testament to his nature. Volunteer sums up Gerry. He does not have to do this, but he has for so many years.
Well done Gerry on your years of service to the town and on your nomination for a Love Barrow Award.
Do you know a Sports Volunteer worthy of consideration for the 2015 Love Barrow Awards? Hit the nomination tab at the top of the page, nominating is an easy process and a fantastic way to say THANK YOU to someone for their time and dedication.