Donnington Runners gain national affiliation with our support

2-MINUTE READ

Background

Energize STW has been working alongside communities in Donnington, Telford through its place-based approach to help tackle health inequalities and create more opportunities for people to move more and improve their wellbeing.

As part of this work, local running group Donnington Runners has gone from strength to strength since being founded seven years ago by Deb Wilding. What started as a community-focused running group has now reached an exciting milestone, successfully becoming affiliated with England Athletics.

The club’s affiliation marks an important step forward for the group and reflects the dedication of its volunteers and members who have helped create a welcoming and supportive environment for people of all running abilities.

You can find out more about Energize’s work in Donnington and in the wider Telford & Wrekin borough.

How Energize Got Involved

Energize STW’s Sport Welfare Manager, Leah Goode, supports local sports clubs and physical activity providers across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to strengthen their welfare and inclusive practice.

Working closely with Donnington Runners, Leah provided welfare guidance, practical resources and support throughout the club’s affiliation process with England Athletics.

The support forms part of Energize’s wider commitment to helping community organisations become sustainable, safe and inclusive spaces for local people to enjoy moving more.

What Happened

Following months of work and preparation, Donnington Runners successfully completed their affiliation application with England Athletics. The process included developing key club policies, strengthening welfare procedures and ensuring the club had the right structures in place to support current and future members.

For club founder Deb Wilding and the volunteers involved, the achievement represents years of hard work, commitment and passion for creating opportunities within the Donnington community.

The affiliation will now provide additional opportunities for the club, including access to further support, resources, development and running competitions through England Athletics.

Watch Deb and runners at the club provide more information and insight in this video. 

The Impact

The success of Donnington Runners highlights the powerful role that volunteers play in creating positive opportunities within their local communities. Through the dedication of volunteers like Deb, the club has helped bring people together, encouraged residents to move more and created a welcoming community for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

By supporting clubs such as Donnington Runners, Energize STW strengthens local opportunities for physical activity and wellbeing within Donnington and the wider Telford and Wrekin area.

Leah Goode, former Sport Welfare Manager at Energize STW, said:

“It has been fantastic to support Donnington Runners on their journey to becoming affiliated with England Athletics. The commitment and passion shown by Deb has been incredible, and this achievement is a great example of what community sport and volunteering can accomplish.”

Deb Wilding, founder of Donnington Runners, added:

“We’re really proud to have achieved England Athletics affiliation. It’s a huge milestone for the club and wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Energize STW and the hard work of our volunteers and members. We’re excited about what the future holds for Donnington Runners.”

If you'd like to explore how our Sports Welfare Offer may be able to support your sports club or physical activity group, visit our webpage.