Jim Sweeney and John Robinson - December winners
This Good Citizen Award to Jim Sweeney and John Robinson is for their selfless devotion to the young people of Coventry, for organising and running short football sessions, including training, games and competitions, for over 20 years.
Over those years they have offered a variety of football experiences to local young people, including the 11 a side version, but it has always been the short football, the 4 a side variety, that predominated. They have introduced thousands of young people to this sport, with ages ranging from 5 to early teens. The emphasis is on taking part no matter how good their football skills; participation and fair play are key. Many come from the Longford, Bell Green area but others, both boys and girls, come from all parts of the city.
At a time of concern regarding youth obesity Jim and John offer a sporting option in a safe and supportive environment. Four-a-side football is all about sportsmanship and Jim and John injected this into the rules. They have given young people from all walks of life a direction towards good citizenship.
They have invested a large amount of their own time on this project. The courts need to be set up for each session and outside the events they spend numerous hours seeking sponsorship and organising related aspects to the football itself. In the past these have included ensuring medals are given to participants to mark special occasions and for participating in competitions run in parallel to the World Cup, the recent Euros and the Olympics.
Jim and John are true community people, freely giving their time for the benefit of others and therefore worthy recipients of the Good Citizen Award.