ALAN Littlewood has been a member of Worsbrough Bridge Cricket Club since he was 11 years old.
Forty years on, and now the club chairman, he is still playing a huge role in ensuring that the club is thriving and does great things for its community.
Nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award in the Volunteer of the Year category, Alan has taken on many roles within the club over the years from senior team manager to umpire and scorer.
The nomination from Jane Alderton, said: “During this time, he has been, and continues to be, an outstanding member of our club, dedicating countless hours to volunteering for the benefit of all members.
“He has consistently gone above and beyond, taking on extra responsibilities and always ensuring that every task is completed to the highest standard.
“He was the first member with the vision and passion to set up our successful junior programme 2004, which now accommodates over 40 juniors.
“Many of the juniors from 2004 have remained at the club and now play in our men’s first and second teams.
“In the last 18 months Alan has devoted his time to creating a new women’s team.
“The training has been exceptionally well received by the local community and has proven to be very successful.
“It is due in no small part to Alan’s warm and encouraging nature - he is an exceptionally patient coach that is genuinely inclusive of all ages and abilities.
“The women’s first team have just won the league for the indoor winter season and the overall cup.
“This would not have been achievable without the encouragement, belief, and passion that Alan has brought to the teams, and he is an inspiration to all.
“His positive energy and willingness to lend a helping hand has made a significant difference in our club and inspired others to get involved.
“Alan knows just how to keep the team spirit together.”
Alan has also founded a new charity, The Derek Littlewood Foundation in memory of his dad who died in 2009. This helps children and young people to be able to play and access cricket by removing the financial barriers to participation.
Alan added: “Worsbrough is a deprived area and cricket isn’t a cheap sport any more when you think about all the kit that’s needed.
“Some kids can go under the radar and don’t get involved because their families can’t afford it.
“It’s in its second year now and we have had some good feedback - there is a great team of volunteers working on this.”
Alan’s volunteering extends beyond the club and he is an active member of the wider community.
He is involved with the Worsbrough Ward Alliance and he is also a trustee of Worsbrough Sports and Development Association.
The nomination concludes: “It would be hard to find a more dedicated, trusted and caring individual, the cricket club and Worsbrough as a whole are exceptionally lucky to have him.”
