Supporter honoured for help and dedication
Paul Kelly has been named the Frank Large Supporter of the Year for 2014.
Paul was recruited in 2012 as a volunteer to help with the Group Tickets scheme and he’s only missed one game since – for his wedding!
He instantly showed such initiative that after one game he became the ‘volunteers leader’ and we can totally rely on Paul to arrive at Sixfields in time, work unsupervised and organise the visiting groups to the stadium for their pre-match experiences (walk-outs and guard of honour) and deal with any enquiries (e.g. from Stanair Cup groups leaders and parents). Often they would be on their first visit so his club knowledge and friendly personality is invaluable.
He often misses the first 5-10 minutes of a game, as he is ensuring all children involved in the pre kick off activities are safely collected.
At half-time he misses the last 5 minutes of the first half and first 5 minutes of the second half through organising the movements of Stanair Cup goals on to the pitch. He referees a game, he lifts the goals back, and ensures balls and equipment are secured.
After the game, if there are any post-match penalty shoot-outs, Paul will move goals back on to the pitch, referee the game and will carry goals back to the storage area. He may not finish until 5.45pm.
In September 2013 when the McDonalds Family fun zone started, Paul was happy to arrive much earlier to help run the events and ‘meet and greet’ with group leaders, all before his usual jobs. Then after the game, he would help pack the fun zone away which would mean a late finish.
On one occasion, in October 2013, Middleton Cheney brought a group of 70 for their first-ever visit. Unfortunately rain prevented the fun zone being used so Paul undertook an impromptu stadium tour with great success!
Paul does not reside locally, he lives in Daventry so this means extra travelling time. He is affable man, whose friendly personality is perfect for his role with kids aged between 6-15, parents and team officials. He is a warm-hearted person who will put even the youngest, awe-struck, excited youngest child at their ease. He is funny, always smiling and rarely upset. He has natural leadership qualities and the other volunteers love working with him.
Thank you to Paul, a very worthy winner.