Washington centre boss Karen hailed as a community champion

A host of celebrities from the world of sport heaped praise on Karen at a House of Lords reception recently.

The event saw her recognised as a community champion by Barclays Spaces for Sports and the Football Foundation for her outstanding contribution to sport in Washington.

The reception was hosted by Talksport presenter Georgie Bingham and ex-footballer Dion Dublin led a panel discussion on the importance of quality local sports facilities.

Karen was selected to attend to represent the hundreds of people who make a significant contribution to their local Barclays Spaces for Sports facility.

She has been the site’s centre manager for two years, having previously started as a volunteer.

Since 2004, Washington Millenium Centre has received £345,909 worth of grants towards a full-size floodlit 3G artificial grass pitch, indoor gym, meeting space and exercise facilities.

Karen said: “I work with residents, Sunderland City Council, Sunderland Football Club and many others to retain and increase usage levels at the centre, despite wide spending cuts.

“I lead a small team who provide a fantastic service, and this has been helped no end by Barclays and the Football Foundation.”