NEWPORT ASHLEY NAMED UK VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2010

Ashley Pyke, aged 17 from Newport, has been named The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteer of the Year 2010. The announcement was made at a special youth conference being held by The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme as part of National Volunteers Week.

The awards, now in their second year, recognise the outstanding work being carried out by young people involved in The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers initiative.

The 7 finalists from England & Wales shortlisted for the awards were judged on factors including skills and qualifications gained, general attitude, impact on other young people and their community, as well as their personal journey and achievements.

Ashley, aged 17, volunteers at the Newport Positive Futures project which delivers sport to young people throughout Newport.

Despite having a turbulent family history and arriving in Duffryn without knowing anyone, Ashley has become an integral figure in the community. As well as leading sports session for local young people, Ashley has also mentored other volunteers experiencing troubles, is involved with attracting funding to the project and has pushed himself to gain qualifications which have meant that the project has been able to extend the activities it offers. He has also gone on to use his new found skills and confidence to gain employment with a local ‘Soccer Tots’ programme for under six year olds.

Michael Fairclough, Head of Communities and Campaigns at The Co-operative Group remarked: “Ashley has shown real progress since joining the programme and has made a huge impact to the project. Ashley is a living, breathing example of what talented young people can achieve when afforded the opportunity. The skills and qualifications he has gained show his tenacity and dedication to lead from the front.”

Ashley was presented with his award by former 800m Commonwealth Champion and Olympic athlete Diane Modahl, in front of around 80 young people from across England and Wales who attended the conference.

The young delegates had all been taking part in a number of youth led workshops, debating issues surrounding the positive role young people can play in their communities, on how they can develop sports provision and on the future of youth volunteering in the UK. A number of delegates also took part in ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitches for a chance to obtain funding from UnLtd Sport Relief for their projects.

Ashley said: “I was absolutely speechless when they announced my name as the winner - I was so shocked! In volunteering I have the opportunity to do something I love day in, day out. To be given an award for that makes me very lucky indeed. I have to say a big thank you to all the staff at Newport Positive Futures who have helped me along the way and given me the chance to play such an important role in others lives. Hopefully I can give the support to other young people that they have shown me.”

Jane Ashworth, Chief Executive of StreetGames, commented: “Through our young volunteers programme we aim to give young people the opportunity to develop new skills, gain qualifications and become active leaders in their communities. Ashley is a shining example to other young people and a great ambassador for the programme. He has helped so many people in his community. Congratulations to him and of course to all our other young volunteers who are changing lives in neighbourhoods across England & Wales.”