'An important influence' - deserved recognition for Far Cotton ABC head coach Daly
Far Cotton ABC head coach John Daly has received some well-deserved recognition this week.
Daly was presented with a Rose of Northamptonshire award by assistant chief constable Adam Ward, who visited the Far Cotton Boxing Club on Wednesday evening.
The award, which recognises Northamptonshire’s community heroes - those who go above and beyond for their neighbours, was presented in recognition of the work that Daly and his team of coaches do with young people training at the club.
The nomination was made by local man Stu Vincent, who said: "For a long time I have admired the self-discipline and dedication of the young people training there as they run up and down Towcester Road as part of their training. They know what they are supposed to be doing and concentrate on their training diligently.
"Having visited the club a few times to photograph Chantelle Cameron and Ashley Lane, and talking to them and other older boxers, it is clear that Mr Daly is an important guiding and positive influence on young people and has been doing so for many years."
Under Daly's direction, the Far Cotton Boxing Club has produced the likes of distinguished professional boxers Carl and Ben Fail, current WBC interim junior welterweight champion Cameron and current British bantamweight champion Lane.
But Daly's contribution to the community goes beyond the champions he has helped to create.
Vincent explained: "At a time when services for young people are reduced and there's recognition that some young people might be at risk of untoward influences and behaviours, the ethos at the Far Cotton Boxing Club is centred on hard work, training, listening, learning and being respectful.
"From speaking to those who have progressed through the club, the lessons taught have certainly helped keep them on the straight and narrow.
"Undoubtedly, the young people attending the club will have benefited physically and mentally from their training, but under the watchful and careful eye of a man who has trained champions.
"In the world of work, mention will be made of transferable skills and have no doubt that the training that the young people undertake will help them to deal with challenges that they may face at school and elsewhere.
"Needless to say, the young people training have a highly structured, controlled and professional atmosphere thanks to John Daly."