Marvin Whitehorn Receives Coaching Award
Programme Fitness Instructor Marvin Whitehorn, has been named as 'Disability Coach of the Year' by Barnet Council Sports Development Department. Marvin, who has worked for the YMCA for over 10 years, was rewarded for his work at our Barnet Youth Club with the local branch of the National Autistic Society.

Marvin supervises the gym sessions on Wednesday evenings for autistic children, writing exercise programmes and interacting with the young people, who often display challenging behaviour.

When asked how he felt being awarded such a prestigious prize, Marvin said 'I was surprised, to be honest, but very touched. It gave me a great sense of achievement, and I felt proud to be recognised for the work I’d done'.

Working in Barnet has led to Marvin doing gym supervision in a special needs school on Friday afternoons. In September he also started working for an organisation called IPOP, coaching disability football on Sundays, which he really enjoys. On Sunday the 6th December he arranged a match with another disability organisation in Hillingdon which was a huge success. Marvin said, 'To see the children making friends and finding their own way in social situations was great, and I felt so proud of them all. It is a priceless feeling to see them growing in this way'.

Marvin went onto say 'I would like to give a special thank you to the YMCA for the opportunity they gave me, and particularly to Jim, Paul and Marcella for their support and help'.

Programme Director, Jim Shepley, said 'It’s great to see YMCA staff being recognised for their hard work and commitment. Well done!'