The Harvey Madden Award for Outstanding Contribution is presented annually at the end of each season to an individual or group who has played a pivotal role for the Club across the season.
Kirsty Madden, daughter of administrator Harvey who was a key factor in saving the Club in 2012, said: "When my dad passed away in 2015, we wanted to put something in place, not just for the glory on the field, but the glory behind the field because the club would be nothing if it wasn't for the support that comes from the stand."
The inaugural winner of the award in 2014/15 was Men’s First Team manager Martin Gray for his effort in guiding the Club to another promotion and into the EvoStik Premier Division.
Other previous winners of the award are:
2015/16 - The DFC Media Team
2016/17 - Glen & Mary Bowes
2017/18 - John Tempest
2018/19 - Lynn Jasper
2019/20 - Neil Raper
2020/21 - No award presented
2021/22 - James Charlton
2022/23 - Kevin Luff
For 2023/24, Darlington fans were asked to nominate who they thought were worthy recipients of the Harvey Madden Award via submissions through YOURCLUB.
The amount of nominations received was very impressive and a whole range of brilliant volunteers were put forward for consideration.
The Harvey Madden Award panel, made up of DFCSG board members and fans (Andy Clarke, Cheryl Pattison, David Steel, Liam Tinkler, Richard Baker, Mick Dawson and Stuart Armstrong), deliberated over every single nomination and then each suggested who they thought should take the award for 2023/24.
Despite the amazing range of options open to the panel and the potential of numerous winners, a decision was made by the panel to award Joanne Cameron the trophy for 2023/24.
Joanne, who is the DFC Matchday Events Manager, DFC's Her Game Too Ambassador, DFCSG board member and also involved in DFC volunteer liaison work, epitomises the hard work, passion and spirit of what being a volunteer at Darlington Football Club is all about.
Chief Executive David Johnston presented Joanne with the Harvey Madden Award trophy at the Spennymoor Town game on Saturday 31st August 2024.
David Steel, DFCSG Vice Chair and Chair of the Harvey Madden Award panel, commented: "I'm absolutely thrilled for Joanne and couldn't think of a more worthy winner of the Harvey Madden Award for the 2023/24 season. I work with Joanne, both on the DFCSG board and around her activities with matchday events, volunteering co-ordination and Her Game Too, and have seen first hand over the years how much she cares about the club, our volunteers and our fans. She has battled on despite some tough challenges with her health and she is an absolute credit to both DFC and DFCSG."
Thank you to everyone who nominated someone and well done to all those volunteers who were put forward for consideration.
