Historic Much Wenlock athletics club celebrate as its head coach wins regional award

Camilla Stewart, Head Coach at Wenlock Olympians Athletics Club, has won the West  Midlands Regional Volunteer Coach of the Year Award. 

Organised by England Athletics, the governing body for athletics in England, the award was  presented at the Regional Volunteer Awards at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. 

Camilla was nominated by members of the Steering Group of Wenlock Olympians Athletics  Club (WOAC), which trains at the Leisure Centre/William Brookes School in Much Wenlock. The submission was supported by fellow coaches, athletes and parents who contributed  both towards her nomination and a video, which was shown as part of the awards evening.  

Started in 1950, the club is located in Much Wenlock - thought by many to be the birthplace of the modern Olympic movement. Games were founded in the Shropshire town in 1850 by William Brooks, who inspired Pierre de Coubertin to create the International Olympic Committee.

Ian Dadswell, Chair of WOAC Steering Group, said: “Camilla has transformed the club  through tireless dedication and inspirational coaching. Camilla has coached at the club for  over 10 years. During the past year in particular, she has led the club on a remarkable  journey – from being the sole qualified coach to building a thriving club with three  additional qualified coaches offering specialised sessions across multiple disciplines. Her  personalised approach has helped athletes flourish, including one para-athlete now  competing nationally.” 

Wenlock Olympians Athletics Club, part of Wenlock Olympian Society, is a junior club of  around 30 athletes. 

Jonathan Edwards, World Triple Jump Record Holder and President of the Wenlock Olympian Society, congratulated Camilla, saying: “Well done, Camilla - a great  asset to the Wenlock Olympians AC. 

"To be awarded Volunteer Coach of the Year for the  West Midlands Region is quite an achievement and well deserved. From my own  experience, I know that the value of a good coach cannot be underestimated - it makes a  real difference to your mindset and your performance”. 

The Society is working to raise £85,000 towards the track’s renovation so the facilities can  continue to be used by the club, school and the wider community and include athletics in  the Wenlock Olympian Games. 

Find out more about Wenlock Olympian Society and it’s track appeal at www.wenlock olympian-society.org.uk