A local Nottingham Coach and Referee from Tollerton has been awarded a National Safeguarding Award 2022 in a prestigious Online Ceremony.
Mark Jones, 60, previously coached at Nottingham Rockets Volleyball Club and currently referees volleyball matches all over the country. He has volunteered as the Safeguarding Officer at the club and as the Regional Safeguarding Officer for the East Midlands Volleyball Association helping clubs in our region become more aware of the importance of the safety of our Juniors and to reassure parents that they are being well looked after.
At the Awards Ceremony an independent panel awarded Mark ‘The Serena Morten Safeguarding Award 2022’ for his contribution to safeguarding our Junior Volleyball players here in Nottingham and The East Midlands.
A spokesperson from Volleyball England said: “Volleyball England’s Annual Awards is a prestigious and long-standing date in the calendar that recognises special individuals who go the extra mile to create a fantastic environment and experience for volleyball in England, from grassroots to NVL to international level. Serena Morten was a stalwart of the volleyball community and highly experienced volunteer Welfare Officer with Volleyball England, a true champion of safeguarding and the welfare of young people. This award recognises Mark who has made an exceptional contribution to safeguarding in and at a club and his community in the last 12 months.”
The independent judging panel went on to say to Mark
“This is an enormous feat, and you should be proud of this award – it is a great honour to be recognised by your peers for the importance and influence of your work in our sport”
The Volleyball England’s Annual National Awards Ceremony for 2022, which were held on Friday 22nd July 2022 in a prestigious Online National Awards ceremony, was watched live on you tube.
When asked about the award Mark said: “I was shocked when I found out I was nominated and even more shocked to win this prestigious award. I would like to share this award with every parent, carer, guardian and club welfare and safeguarding officer who continue to put the safety of our children at the forefront in our sport”
Mark’s son Thomas, 20, is currently playing Super league for Sheffield Volleyball Club and is a member of the England Senior Men’s Volleyball Squad.
