Superintendent John Powell has launched a new awards strategy for Met-Track. It rewards effort. You don’t need to be a star performer to reach the top. There are five levels, with rewards at each, and anyone who really wants to, can achieve all five. Special events will be planned each year to upstage presentations of some awards to leading performers. It is described to participants as follows…

Level 1 "Chilling". Turning up but not too keen on taking part yet.

At this level you turn up to the squads to find out a bit more, you fill in a starter form, but don’t quite feel ready to do too much. No problem – take your time.

(‘PasSport’ awarded at this level)

Level 2 "Cool". Taking part, maybe wanting to find out a bit more; doing ok.

Getting involved now, and looking to become a bit of a regular. No need to break a leg, but a bit of effort and enthusiasm will get you well on the way to this level.

(Silver certificate after 2 weeks at this level)

Level 3 "Heavy". Moving on, wanting more, getting better, showing others.

Now you’re into it – a regular at ‘Met-Track’ squads, and putting in real effort. Talking to the coach on ways to improve further, and different ways of doing things, and generally becoming a pretty keen player. But remember – it’s not superstars we’re after, simply those who work hard and try their best, although any achievement at club or county level would be just as good.

(Gold certificate after 4 weeks at this level)

Level 4 "Rocking". Looking beyond Met-Track;, really beginning to achieve.

Ok, now it’s part of your life, you’re getting involved outside of ‘Met-Track’ (eg: joining a local club) or you’re helping yourself with similar schemes maybe for younger kids. If you get a coaching badge or something, we’ll rush your medal to you straight away! If you’ve unearthed a bit of talent at regional level, that’s great too.

(Silver medal at this level)

Level 5 "Serious". Totally involved, helping coaches, making positive life decisions.

A gold medallist is what it suggests – every bit a winner! You’ve perhaps made a career choice within sport, or are making contributions to sport as a volunteer or in another role. Perhaps you are helping / educating others, or coming up with your own ideas. Or if you have unearthed a hidden talent, this will have been established at national level for this award.

(Gold medal at this level)

Met-Track was first piloted on Bexley borough in 2005, and it was a resounding success on many fronts. Leading performers from the original showcase were given a lifetime experience in having their awards presented to them by The Queen during her Royal visit to the borough in July of that year. Here you can see the moment when she met those young people, with British Olympian Dwayne Grant, and Scheme Director, sprints coach and Police Superintendent, John Powell.