Alan Higgins
PE Teacher Alan Higgins has been scooping accolades this year in recognition of his work to widen participation in a variety of sports through his role at Oakwood Junior School.
Alan won an EFL (English Football League) Community Heroes award. It was part of the EFL new Community Weekends which see Clubs, managers and players mark the incredible work that community staff and volunteers deliver 365 days per year.
Alan was recognised by Derby County Football Club for his work on the Derby Primary PE Steering Group, helping to shape and direct the Super Schools programme at Derby County Community Trust. He regularly takes part in meetings and gives feedback about how to improve school sport across the city.
As a Derby County Football Club season ticket holder, it was a dream come true for Alan to walk through the tunnel with players as part of his prize.
“I’ve been watching Derby County since 1964 so to walk through the tunnel with the players was amazing,” said Alan. “I sit in the South Stand with my season ticket so to be able to stand on the pitch with the players and look up to the South Stand and give them a wave was just unbelievable.”
It was made even more special for Alan because one of the other award winners was Alex Owens who plays for the Derby County Under 20s who play in the FA Women’s National League (Reverse Midland Division). Alex has played football with Derby County Community Trust since she was 10, where she was part of the Regional Talent Centre set up and Alan coached her when she played football at Oakwood Junior School.
“To be standing next to Alex picking up her award for work with women’s football knowing she started her journey with football when at Oakwood Junior School was a great moment,” said Alan.
Alan has driven sport forward at the school since he joined more than 10 years ago, initially as a teaching assistant.
He enters sporting events run by Derby County Community Trust, Derby Trailblazers and more through his role as PE teacher, and coaches a number of after school sports clubs too.
Last year, he helped Oakwood Junior School achieve its Gold School Games Mark, recognising its commitment to developing competition across the school and the wider community.
His dedication has been recognised by Odyssey Collaborative Trust, to which Oakwood Junior School belongs.
Alan has been awarded the Thrive Award by the Trust, which recognises colleagues whose work helps the Trust achieve its goal of helping children to thrive, helping colleagues to thrive and helping the community to thrive.
Ian Dewes, Chief Executive of Odyssey Collaborative Trust, said: “Alan’s passion for sport has been an integral part of the sporting success at Oakwood. Not only do Oakwood regularly win trophies, but they also have very high levels of participation. Alan’s enthusiasm for sport is infectious and it’s great to see this recognised by these awards.”
