Meet the Chairman

“You don’t need to convince people to stay, they come up here and immediately like what they see.”

These are strong words from our current chairman Allen Dawson, who knows how much there is to offer. The ever present do-it-all is the current Chairman (along with many other things) of the Nortonthorpe Sports Club, and has been involved with various areas of the club and its beneficiaries and events for well over 25 years. As chairman— a role Allen describes as 'being there simply to hold the club together along with the very good volunteers'—he also takes on several other responsibilities. One of these is managing the club's high-quality clubhouse, a role he has held for three years. Allen makes sure all the families, visitors and players alike are fed and watered on game days and is always on hand to offer a friendly face and advice when needed. The Nortonthorpe regular has also been on the board of trustees for many years, and as such has a vital say on how the club runs its charitable side. The club itself is a charity organisation, according to Allen, the charitable aspect is at the heart of the club’s mission.

Nortonthorpe Sports Club has existed since before the 1950s. To Allen, it’s a hidden gem in Scissett, and he often hears from parents who had no idea the ground has been there for more than 70 years Allen emphasises that even away teams are impressed when they come to play. For him, there’s nothing better than a good review. “We are very proud of what we have managed to achieve here,” he says.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nortonthorpe Sports Club has come on leaps and bounds during Allen’s tenure, further developing the fantastic facilities which include sponsorship boards around the ground, indoor and outdoor eating and drinking areas and newly renovated changing rooms. Additionally, the number and quality of events have improved significantly in recent years. Allen has also presided over the introduction of fantastic family events such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Fun Day as well as building on the success of the long-established bonfire night. Allen understands that while revenue is vital for keeping the club going, it’s equally important to give back to the community that sustains it.

The club, and its events are also put on by volunteers, and this is something that Allen understands is pivotal to a successful operation, as he says “we have amazing volunteers that come down and help, and if you let them do something they enjoy, they will do it well”

For nearly 30 years, Allen Dawson has been synonymous with Nortonthorpe Sports Club. After serving in various roles and being seconded onto many boards and committees, it’s clear why he holds such a vital position. He understands how much the club means to the people who use its facilities—and how much it will continue to mean for years to come.