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Mayor honours Cougars' club

From the Echo, first published Thursday 19th Jul 2001.

WEYMOUTH and Portland Mayor Mrs Joy Stanley was the guest of honour at the Weymouth Cougars' annual prize-giving held at the Pavilion Theatre.

In her role as club president, she agreed to present the numerous awards for individuals' outstanding contributions to the club both on and off the field.

Chairman, Pat Crane, spoke of the incredible expansion of the club over the last couple of years and paid tribute to all those who have worked so hard over the last ten years to make Cougars what it is today, probably the largest youth football organisation in Dorset.

Mr Crane said: "The success of the club can be measured by the number of youngsters who now enjoy playing football in the colours of Weymouth Cougars.

"This has been achieved in no small part by the enormous generosity of our many sponsors without whose patronage the club could not have survived.

He added: "Fund-raising is the very life blood of any amateur organisation and many people have given up their spare time to help with the various events throughout the year."

Many of these people were recognised at the ceremony, they included Maggie Hallett whose energy and commitment was highlighted.

The chairman added: "The Saturday night bingo set up and run by Maggie has raised more than £2,000 for club funds over the years."

Julie Crane was the driving force behind the organising and running of the refreshments for Cougars' annual six-a-side which once again proved very successful.

Julie and Maggie were the first to acknowledge the contribution made by many volunteers including Pearl Crane, Chris Hallett, Lyn Picton, Sue Lewis, Sheena Samways, Dale Mutch, Seamus O'Sullivan, Jenny White and Debbie Jones.

The chairman was keen to point out that many people during the course of the season had contributed to the club's success and he thanked all the players, managers and many helpers for their efforts.

Prize Winners:

Under-8s Achievement: Dean Samways, Eddie Mitchell.

Under-8 Sports Achievement: James Hansford, Henry Harris.

Under-9s Achievement: Alex Gould, David Sowerby.

Under-10s Achievement: Lee Samways, Ben Mackie, Max Johnson, David Miller.

Under-11s: Clubman - Grant Lamming, Most Improved - Jamie Samways, Players' Player - Richard Marshallsay, Manager's Player - Lloyd Gilkes.

Under-11 Athletic: Clubman - Callum McGilvary, Most Improved - Kieron Thorne, Players' Player - Craig Swan, Manager's Player - Steven Blanks.

Under-12s: Clubman - Aaron Riley, Most Improved - Nicky Bellamy, Players' Player - Brett James, Manager's Player - Dan Kelly.

Under-13s: Clubman - Willie Gibson, Most Improved - Luke Reynolds, Players' Player - Scott Dixon, Manager's Player - Iain Webber.

Under-14s: Clubman - Alex Halloran, Most Improved - Ben Toop, Players' Player - Tom Stevens, Manager's Player - Ross Marks.

Under-14 Sports: Clubman - Ryan Harman, Most Improved - James Baker, Players' Player - Adam Beckett, Manager's Player - Matthew Croxon.

Under-15s: Clubman - Nick Simkin, Most Improved - Dominic Gallard, Players' Player - Matthew Ryan, Manager's Player - James Bews.

Under-15 Sports: Clubman - Steve Fawcus, Most Improved - Geoff Blake, Players' Player - Dan Stone, Manager's Player - Carl Neal.

Under-15 Athletic: Clubman - Craig Wells, Most Improved - Andrew Runyard, Players' Player - Daniel Dunford, Manager's Player - James Caddy.

Under-16s: Clubman - Matt Brown, Most Improved - Tommy Hastie, Players' Player - Antony Crane, Manager's Player - Levi Dailley.

Under-16 Sports: Clubman - Tom Sedjbeer, Most Improved - Liam Buckley, Players' Player - Ross Walker, Manager's Player - Adrian Walker.