Boys & Girls Clubs would like to acknowledge and reward young people within our membership, who are dedicated to youth work / youth sports.
The Paddy Duffy Award – “Young Volunteer Award”
The Paddy Duffy Award aims to be supportive of the values, style and approach of Paddy Duffy – a much loved and cherished voluntary youth leader and vice-president of Boys & Girls Clubs (NI). Paddy epitomised many of the personal qualities that are characteristic of good youth work.
The Paddy Duffy Award was established as a memorial award in 2002 by the principal officers & staff of Boys & Girls Clubs. The Award aims to recognise and preserve the values and principles by which Paddy lived and shared with others through his life and voluntary youth work. The Paddy Duffy Award is intended to support a nominated young person who has demonstrated these values in their everyday life and youth work.
The Paddy Duffy Award is a bursary of up to £250 and is awarded to young people whose exemplary participation in youth work is characterised by some of the following:
- commitment and volunteering
- selflessness
- resilience
- commitment to fair play
- equal treatment for all
- supportive and considerate of others
- sense of fun and humour.
Nominated by: Youth Worker
Application: Nomination Form
The Jackie Maxwell Award – “Education through Sport Award”
The Jackie Maxwell Award is reflective of the work, commitment and dedication of Jackie Maxwell – a respected, selfless voluntary worker, who touched the hearts of many both on and off the football pitch. He was also a highly esteemed vice-president of Boys & Girls Clubs (NI). Jackie’s passion was for football but he encouraged young people to participate in all sports and strive for success!
The Jackie Maxwell Award is a bursary of up to £250 and is aimed at voluntary young leaders, who would like to further their leadership skills in sport. The bursary will afford young people the opportunity to gain a coaching qualifications or attend a training course for their personal development and to help and support other young people and local communities.
Nominated by: Club Leader/Coach
Application: Nomination Form
Harry Cunningham Award
Harry Cunningham a stalwart of the Saints boxing club in Twinbrook, Harry was involved in boxing for over 60 years, representing the St Matthew’s club as a youth in Ulster and Irish elite finals. He started his coaching career in the Short Strand before becoming head coach at Saints and Vice-president of the County Antrim Board. His influence on boxing extended far beyond Belfast as he also helped develop a number of county, provincial and national champions, and was also involved with Irish teams at different levels, Harry was regarded as the embodiment of all that is good about amateur boxing.
Proud as he was of every Antrim boxer who achieved success, running the club was not just about medal winners but helping numerous kids within the Twinbrook Estate find a real purpose for life.