Congratulations and Thank you to Caitlin Arnott
Caitlin Arnott, who turned 17 on who recently turned 17 (31 August 2023), has been volunteering with the Arbroath FC Community Trust as a football coach, involved in all age groups from the youngest children to the opposite end of the age spectrum with the Walking Football participants.
She has recently achieved the top Saltire Award certificate for dedicating over 500 hours voluntary service since 2020.
During this time, she has started her SFA Coaching badges and gone on to secure a paid coaching role with the Trust, while continuing to volunteer at Gayfield on match days, assisting with the ball kids and mascots.
With the onset of Covid, Caitlin is not afraid to admit to some mental health issues but with the support of the Trust and good mentors in David Gold, Rich Swan and Kevin Middleton she has battled through this and sites her volunteering as being a key tool in her battle against this.
It has empowered her and grown her confidence in dealing with other people and difficult challenges.
Caitlin attends Arbroath Academy and at the recent end of term Celebration of Achievement awards evening in June, was presented with two awards which recognised her volunteering and work in the local community.
The first award was the Round Table prize for voluntary work in the community which was selected by teaching staff in recognition of the volunteering carried out.
The second award was The Guildry Award presented by the Arbroath Guildry in recognition of a person who displays civic pride and promotes community spirit. Caitilin was selected for this by the senior management at the Academy.
As part of her award, Caitlin was provided with a monetary reward. Caitlin immediately stated that from her prize she wished to pass on a couple of £50 donations to community groups within Arbroath.
The first donation is being made to Skilz who had recently suffered vandalism to their new Astro pitch at the PKS Arena and is widely used by clubs across Arbroath.
Caitlin recognised the role they play in the community and therefore wished to contribute in a small way towards repair costs.
Her second donation is going to the Community Trust in recognition of the support they have given her in her coaching journey to date and to assist with the continuation of football
provision to all age groups in the wider community.
At half time on Saturday Caitlin presented her donations to Barry Valentine of the Arbroath Community Trust and Mark Anderson from Skilz.
Everyone at Gayfield would like to congratulate Caitlin on her deserved recognition and also for her very kind donations.
We love having Caitlin at Gayfield, and appreciate her loyal support!
Thank you Caitlin!
