Thursday Club Awarded 'Club of the Year'

The Thursday Club, or to give it it’s official name, Hayling Island Sailing Club Community Youth Sailing Scheme, was awarded “Club of the Year” at the 43rd Annual Havant Borough Sports Association, (HBSA), Awards held at Havant Leisure Centre on Thursday 6th February. The HBSA is run by sports enthusiasts for sports enthusiasts and is supported by Havant Borough Council. The many Awards presented recognise Sporting Clubs across all ages and abilities within the Havant catchment area and include Club Team and Individual awards for within the Juniors, Seniors and Veterans categories. Coaches and Volunteers are not forgotten as without them there would be no Clubs. Some special awards recognise particular contributions.

The evening was hosted by Andy Moon from Radio Solent and South Today and the Mayor of Havant Councillor Peter Wade presented the Awards.

Illustrious past winners of the Club of the Year include Havant Hockey Club, Hayling Golf Club, Havant & Waterlooville FC and Heart of Hayling Boxing Academy to name just a few.

After receiving the award on behalf of the Thursday Club, Catherine Massey the Training and Welfare Officer explained to Andy Moon that the Thursday Club was committed to offering local community youngsters aged 8-18 who would not normally have the opportunity to try on water activity the chance to learn to sail or paddleboard within a very safe and fun environment. It was not trying to find the next Olympic Gold Medallist although nothing is impossible.

The Thursday Club is totally run by volunteers and as it begins its 20th season this award is dedicated to all the volunteers both past and present without whom it could not operate. It would also like to remember the late Mike Baker who founded the Club in 2005 and would have been so proud to have received this award.

 

Michael Massey