THERE was a special presentation ahead of Saturday's game at the Pirelli Stadium to John Jackson.
As the Chairman of Burton Albion Community Trust, John has been at the heart of the pandemic response from the charity arm of the football club.
That’s just what you would expect from the man who was appointed as the trust’s first independent Chairman in 2015 and who has overseen the growth and increasing impact of BACT during the last six years.
During his time as BACT Chairman, Burton Albion has twice been named Midlands Community Club of the Year – in 2015/16 and 2016/17.
Employing and nurturing the right people has always been a key aspect for BACT and this was recognised in 2017 when the charity was named the Burton Mail Employer of the Year, which was further acknowledged with Investors in People Gold recognition in 2020.
John was instrumental in bringing a royal visit to BACT in 2018, when HRH the Duke of Gloucester came to the Pirelli Stadium in 2018.
Under John’s guidance BACT received the Burton Civic Society Olga Lloyd Award for positive impact on opportunities for young people through sporting activity in 2019.
And perhaps most importantly John has overseen BACT’s pandemic response with the Pirelli Stadium becoming a Covid-19 Vaccination Centre from December 2020.
BACT Head of Community Matt Hancock said: “John is an inspirational leader and has overseen the growth and development of Burton Albion Community Trust. He leads the Board of Trustees with confidence, enthusiasm and professionalism at all times.
“We always have his support and advice whenever we need it and he’s a calm and assured guiding hand which has been even more important than during the pandemic.”
Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson also praised John’s commitment and dedication.
He said: “The club and trust work together in supporting the community and John is important in bringing our visions and objectives to fruition.
“He is well known and respected in the community, and we are immensely proud of the achievements made by the trust under his leadership.”