Browse Sections

• Oldham Athletic FC
• Oldham Roughyeds'
• Local football
• Local cricket

Personality prize is awarded to unsung Peter

18/ 6/2008

AUSTERLANDS clubman Peter Sunderland has been honoured for his work behind the scenes after he was named as the 2008 Thwaites Lancaster Bomber ‘Grass Roots Sports Personality of the Year’.

He first began working at the Saddleworth and District Cricket League club in 2003 when his son Adam decided to pursue cricket as a hobby.

His work has included securing sponsorship deals, grants and Clubmark accreditation – the national seal of approval that recognises clubs of high quality.

Peter said: "Achieving Clubmark accreditation was an important landmark for the club, and undoubtedly my proudest accomplishment to date.

"It was so important for us to achieve Clubmark status, in terms of securing sponsorship, and although it took two years of hard work and endless hours spent on courses and workshops, it was well worth it.

"I have had tremendous support from other club members and I’d like to thank them for their hard work and commitment."

Thwaites brands marketing manager Lee Williams added: "When we began the Lancaster Bomber Award it was because our investment with grass roots clubs and organisations had brought us into contact with so many unsung heroes who deserved some real recognition.

"The special thing about Peter’s nomination was that it came from someone at a totally separate club who had looked at the work he had done for Austerlands and admired his enthusiasm, dedication and ability to get people in the community to rally round and transform the fortunes of the club."

As well as his award, Peter also received a £2,000 cheque for the Austerlands club.