Last year, a challenging time for the whole world and our county, the GBA Awards recognised the fantastic contribution of local individuals and organisations to the mental and physical wellbeing of Berkshire residents. The 'Berkshire physical activity lockdown hero', a campaign celebrating the 9th GBA Awards' winners on BBC Radio Berkshire and social media, united residents, communities and activity providers around the joy and importance of physical activity and helped keep spirits high in the county during the winter lockdown.
This year, as we are recovering from the pandemic, the 10th GBA Awards will continue recognising individuals and organisations that contributed to a healthier and more resilient Berkshire. There is one award category – the 'Berkshire physical activity hero'.
Alison Hill
Alison Hill is a netball coach at Windsor Netball Club. She organised zoom training sessions during lockdown and consistently set weekly challenges for everyone. When the world opened again she sourced outdoor netball courts and coordinated a 4-day training camp to help get their members active, as well as volunteered as covid officer for the charter netball league to ensure safe play. Each week she delivered 90min outdoor training sessions, coached and umpired matches.
Alison also raised the profile of the club through ventures like the Windsor Half Marathon and the annual Santa Dash. In parallel she has organised a netball club at Dedworth Middle school where she teaches to try and give opportunities for enthusiastic netballers to start their netball journey, before encouraging them to extend their experience through club netball.
"Alison is a passionate netball coach and volunteer who gives her time with so much enthusiasm and energy to ensure that all participants are included and benefit equally. She is always happy to help out and support other coaches, she has boundless energy and has ensured that even during COVID, netball activity has continued" – Brenda Pope, fellow coach and friend.
