Follow britishcycling.org.uk on 
Francis the First Golden Young Volunteer
Posted: 25th February 2010 | Source: British Cycling
Francis Twizell has become the first young person to achieve the Gold standard in the Cycling Award for Young Volunteers programme.
The British Cycling 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards saw many volunteers recognised for their efforts in the development of grassroots cycling during the last year. Amongst those receiving their awards were a group of young volunteers from across the country including 18 year old Francis Twizell. Francis received an award not only in the category of North West Young Volunteer of the Year but also for being the first to achieve the Gold level of the newly launched Cycling Award for Young Volunteers (CAYV).
The CAYV programme has two elements, firstly a preparatory workshop, which is centred on introducing the fundamentals of the sport and volunteering roles in community cycling, and secondly placing the young volunteers with local Go-Ride clubs to volunteer at sessions, races and meetings. Francis has excelled in the programme, completing a total of 36 hours of volunteering with Blackpool Youth Cycling Association. He was also the first to complete the bronze and silver levels of the award (12 and 24 cumulative hours respectively).
Francis has been responsible for assisting at holiday coaching camps, officiating at club races and attending club committee meetings to give a younger perspective on the club's developments. He has been a role model for the club and has helped increase its younger membership through his enthusiasm and contributions at holiday sessions.
Above: Francis (far right) along with the other winners, receiving their awards from Sir Chris Hoy.
We asked Francis what he thought about the Gala Dinner and being the first Gold award winner.
‘'I felt a sense of pride about receiving the award; I felt that I was being respected and appreciated within the cycling world. The evening was really entertaining and sitting opposite Sir Chris Hoy and Chris Boardman was just amazing plus the cherry on the cake had to be meeting the lovely and jolly Victoria Pendleton.''
Francis also shared with us his feelings about the CAYV programme and how he thinks it will help him in the future.
‘‘I wasn't sure how interesting the workshop would be but it actually turned out to be a lot of fun and really worthwhile. It certainly inspired me to get involved in cycling with the Go-Ride club in Blackpool and now I've achieved the Gold award, which I'm really happy with. I'm also going to be taking my Level 2 coaching certificate after building up experience through volunteering which will allow me to give even more back to the club.
‘'Participating in the programme has enhanced my CV because of the different skills you gain compared to the ones you gain at college. I think that it can help shape you're future career because now it has inspired me to work in outdoor education activity centres. This is vital work experience but also opens up pathways because of the contacts you make.''
For more information about the Cycling Award for Young Volunteers programme or to organise a workshop please contact Andrew Chaston, Development Officer for Clubs and Volunteers.
andrewchaston@britishcycling.org.uk or 0161 274 2126.
