'Our Alf' shortlisted for Cornwall Sports Award
Posted by on 30 October 2017
Caradon’s very own Alf Oliver has been shortlisted at the Cornwall Sports Awards 2017 for the Lifetime Volunteer Award. He has been a big part of Caradon from junior training, to roving reporter and of course number 1 supporter! We are delighted that ‘our Alf’ has been recognised for all his hard work and fully deserves his special night out at the awards, which take place at The Headland Hotel in Newquay on Friday 3rd November.
In 2009, Caradon were blessed when Alf retired to Looe. Having had a successful business career, he was recruited by our committee to help with fundraising, publicity and website development and was our Communications Officer until the end of the 2016-17 season.
Alf has been instrumental in applying for, and receiving grants from a range of sources including the Cornwall Sports Partnership. This has enabled us to spend a considerable amount on specific goalkeeper coaching, training equipment and new items for kits. In addition he has built strong relationships with Liskeard school to ensure the continued availability of key facilities for our club.
It's not just 'behind the scenes', Alf also holds a Level 1 Coaching qualification and currently coaches our youngest members, the Under 8s, showing them the basics and making them feel very welcome at the club.
Alf was a key figure in putting both successful applications together when Caradon won the Cornwall Sports Award for Senior Club of the Year and England Hockey Club of the Year for the 2016/17 season.
As Communications Officer, Alf ensured that Caradon got appropriate coverage in the Cornish Times. Last year he was busy promoting the success of our club including pieces about the Ladies 1s and 2s who won their County competitions. This coverage has had a direct impact on our ladies numbers; we are now the biggest club in Cornwall and have added a Ladies 4th team for this season.
Alf's devotion to hockey began in 1952 and he played for several teams until 2000 when, at the age of 59 (!!), he retired from competitive hockey.
From us all, thank you Alf!
