A LONG-SERVING County Durham youth leader has won international recognition for his “exceptional leadership.”

Within the space of a few days retired police sergeant Alan Watson, already hailed as a “superb ambassador” for the Durham Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (DABGC), has been honoured with no fewer than four awards.

Sixty years since Mr Watson joined the Glenholme Boys’ Club in his home town of Crook, his subsequent unbroken decades of service to the county association earned him the Lifetime Achievement and Diamond Keystone Awards at DABGC’s 90th anniversary celebration.

Mr Watson received the award at an event attended by 350 dignitaries, guests and members, at The Ramside Hall Hotel, in Durham.

The Northern Echo:

Hailed as a “superb ambassador” for the association, Mr Watson’s latest accolade sits proudly alongside the BEM, MBE, and Durham County Council Chairman’s Medal he already holds in recognition of the work which has inspired many thousands of young people.

 

His 45 years as a former secretary, organiser and, now, one of the Durham association’s two executive youth officers make him the longest serving official in the country.

It was an achievement officially acknowledged by the Boys and Girls Club’s national body with a long service award.

Read more: Royal accolade for Durham's boys and girls clubs

The plaudits have continued to roll in, however, with the World Federation of Youth Clubs’ own Lifetime Achievement Award for, “exceptional leadership, commitment and tireless work to create brighter futures for the next generation.”

He said the onrush of awards had left him, “absolutely blown away”, adding: “I am both embarrassed and delighted at the same time.”

DABGC is made up of a network 90 clubs, with more than 5,000 members aged between eight and 21.

Backed by 600 male and female volunteer leaders and coaches, covering County Durham, South Tyneside and the Wear and Tees Valleys, it has been the national leading sporting county for the past 30 years.

Its luminaries include England international footballers, both male and female, professional boxers, Olympians and a current world-record breaking athlete.

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Mr Watson’s own sporting involvement has made a significant contribution to that record.

He was at one time team manager of England Boys Clubs’ U16 football team, losing just one game during his 18 years tenure.

As manager, the Durham association’s the U16s and U18s boys won the prestigious Gillette Cup national title five times, including a Wembley appearance.

He said: “I have always felt every award I have been lucky enough to receive truly belong to efforts of others.

Read next:

Durham's Boys and Girls Clubs presented with Queen's Award

Durham County Council’s Youth Council awards at Beamish Hall Hotel

Record £17,000 handed out at County Durham High Sheriff Youth Awards

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“Without the unwavering enthusiasm and hard work, freely given by many hundreds of volunteers across the generations, we would have achieved little.”

In his congratulatory 90th anniversary letter to the association Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 was a “fantastic achievement” and testament to the contribution of many.

“The organisation’s desire to help young people achieve their goals and dreams is inspiring and your commitment undoubtable,” he added.