Royal Blue: Everton in the Community recognsied at Northern Sports Awards

Jul 9 2011 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

EVERTON in the Community has been recognised at the inaugural Northern Sports Awards 2011.

The Blues’ official charity scooped the title of ‘Best Grass Roots/Club Scheme at the awards ceremony, which was held at Lancashire Cricket Club last week.

Everton in the Community beat off competition from Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and the Manchester United Foundation to take the award.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief executive officer of Everton in the Community, said: "This multi-award winning scheme has not only helped the local community through the quality of sporting provision it offers to people of all ages and social circumstances, its success is such that its approach has been adopted and replicated both nationally and internationally.

“The judges were particularly impressed by the obvious passion and dedication of not only the scheme's staff but the 150 plus volunteers, who strive to serve the needs of their community through sport.”

The judging panel included Premier League referee Mark Halsey, ISM Managing Director Andrew Chandler, Lancashire CCC Chief Executive Jim Cumbes and Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport.