18th January 2012
Hockey Wales Administrator of the Year Awards 2011
Nazir Mohamed and Jane Price (on behalf of Judith Evans) receiving their awards from Sue Maughan (Sport Wales) and Mary Bainbridge (Director)
Within any club the role of administrator is never an easy one to fill, but without them we wouldn't be able to enjoy playing Hockey week in and week out. With a very competitive field of candidates it was decided that the inaugural award would be shared between Judith Evans and Nazir Mohamed.
Nazir, or Naz to those who know him, has devoted his time, energy and enthusiasm to hockey over many years as a player and now as a team manager. He organises fixtures and programmes for the men's senior team, indoor and outdoor hockey, tirelessly providing a programme on a shoe string budget and always negotiates for the best deal possible. As well as this he also finds time to be an active member of Whitchurch Hockey Club, managing both the first and second teams. Whilst also coaching Howardian Ladies Hockey first team, the youth team at Whitchurch and manages Glamorgan University Men's 1st team.
We caught up with Naz and asked him what the award meant to him personally, "It was a shock to get it! I was really honoured to have received it especially because of all our volunteers do across Wales." When we asked about whether it raised the profile of what Administrators do Naz responded "It does heighten the awareness of what goes on behind the scenes. It's never an easy job to do and it's nice to know people appreciate the amount of work that goes on to run a successful team." We finally asked Naz what he would say to other people thinking of nominating there club/league administrators, "Just be honest. Make sure you give the people who really do work in the background and work tirelessly doing all the dull jobs a vote, because they help keep clubs running.
Judith Evans was a player with Caerphilly Ladies Hockey Club from start to finish is now the backbone of the club. She has inspired many players to get involved and stay involved in hockey. Judith took over league secretary for South Wales Women's league and has becoming the victim of all the clubs moans and groans! However her no nonsense and honest views has made her well respected and a much loved character not just in her club, but within the Hockey family. Jude works tirelessly attending league meetings, going to fixtures and working with officers and clubs to ensure fairness and sustainability helping many small clubs to survive and grow.
Judith said "I was given the award based on the work I had done with the South Wales Women's league, but really there were three of us so it was a shared award! But having been involved in it for a long time it's nice to get something for it." We mentioned that the admin role is not the most glamorous of positions to hold in hockey "*laughing* No it isn't but it was such a surprise to receive the award! There are so many people doing these jobs and it is nice to get something for it!" To the 2012 nominee's Judith says "Good luck! It's great to have received recognition for the South Wales Women's League, but there are some club administrators out there who have been doing there job for thirty to forty years as well!"
So if you feel your club administrator is worthy of an award of this regard then download the Nomination form and send it back to us as soon as you can!
Download Hockey Wales Awards 2012 Nomination Form
