James Stott was a keen sportsman. He loved rugby league and played regularly until a serious shoulder injury abruptly halted his involvement in the game. Despite this huge setback, James, channelled his energies into the creation of a website for his club. Through his dedication and commitment, Peter transformed the site from a few basic information pages into an interactive award winner.
Shawcross Rugby League club has over 250 junior members. Two years ago, James was like any other member, taking part in weekly fixtures and enjoying the rough and tumble that is part and parcel of this competitive sport. That was until a severe shoulder injury forced him to quit the game and reconsider his options. This devastating blow could easily have led to him leaving the club altogether. However through his upbeat manner and positive approach he decided to continue working at the club and on an entirely voluntary basis, devoted his time to transforming the club’s website.
James has been a role model to his peers through the enthusiasm and skill which he has gone about this task. He spends several hours every week updating the site despite working full time, and utilises all the IT skills he gained (and more) during his absence from playing sport. He provides articles for the website through his own research, creating many informative and entertaining sections. He devised a “Hall of Fame” element to the site, containing a potted history of famous past players and a brief history of the club. Additionally, James produces regular weekly updates for all junior teams with news and fixture information.
His innovation and good ideas make a big difference right across the club. Through the website he has encouraged the local community to utilise the clubhouse and as a direct result the Shawcross Sharks can now boast blood donor sessions, belly dancing classes and swimming tuition alongside the regular rugby activities. In addition James has encouraged the use of the function room to serve the wider community through hosting first aid and child protection classes.
His contribution to his club and local community has not gone unnoticed and James has deservedly received many accolades for the great work he has carried out. Recently the website won Best in Class from the British Amateur Rugby League Association and he has been asked to write match reports for a high profile, national rugby league journal.
In 2007 the Rugby Football League invited James to Wembley Stadium where he received the Young Volunteer of the year award.
There can be no doubt that James is an exceptional individual and through his IT skills and personal dedication, he has made a huge contribution to his club and community. Chris Smith, James’ nominator says:
“James has developed over the past 3 years from an enthusiastic young volunteer in to a much respected young adult, he has some creative ideas and is always willing to share them and where possible instigate them to improve the running and facilities of our organisation, we regard him as a key person in our future development”.
[...] James Stott has won a two hour question and answer session with Jonathan Marks, the founder and managing director of sports management agency MTC. [...]