Young Leader wins national award

Thursday, 14 January 2010

Matthew, a year 10 pupil at Bishop Challoner Catholic College in Birmingham, has recently received the prestigious Diana Award.

This award is highly prestigious and is backed by the Memorial Committee that was founded to ensure that the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales is commemorated in a way that is of lasting benefit to our society. The award winners are exceptional people, who have become positive role models for a generation by challenging negative stereotypes of young people.

Matthew was nominated by his peers, school and those who have benefited from the hours of volunteering and leadership that he has committed himself to. He has as real passion for PE and sport, and has matured into very talented coach and leader. Using these attributes with his knowledge and enthusiasm, Matthew has inspired and influenced young people throughout the school and local community.

Matthew coaches primary school children in the evenings and he also helps PE staff with the organisation and leadership of sporting activities including rugby and football. Through attending Top Link training, Matthew has also helped to train younger children how to become leaders and is one of the students involved in Bishop Challoner’s Leadership Academy. In addition to the Diana Award, Matthew has also achieved the ‘Step into Sport Bronze Award’ for community volunteering, and has recently trained as an anti- bullying mentor with the aim of working with the Head of Year 8 and younger pupils in the school community.

What makes Matthew’s achievements and successes even more inspiring is the fact that he has overcome a serious heart condition and subsequent operation that could quite easily have stopped his interest and involvement in sport. However it has acted as a catalyst and since his treatment, Matthew has concentrated his efforts into volunteering and having a positive influence on others as well as still participating as a performer.