Freedom of the Borough awarded to local sports person

freemanHonorary Freedom of the Borough has been awarded to Marc Albrighton, on Tuesday, May 17, in recognition of services to sport and the local community.

Professional footballer Marc Albrighton received the prestigious Freedom of the Borough accolade at a presentation at the Town Hall on May 17, with The Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Michael Oates.

Marc has played football at Mile Oak Monarchs as a young player in Tamworth before signing for his boyhood club Aston Villa and has since set up a centre of development that helps coach and support children of any age to get involved in football.

The Marc Albrighton Centre of Development is a coaching company that aims to get more children involved in football activities with maximum enjoyment and involvement. The centre encourages players of all levels of ability to be involved in football with fun and developmental sessions, built around fundamental football skills.

The decision to grant Marc the honour was voted for unanimously at the full council meeting on December 14, 2021.

The first admission to honorary freeman in Tamworth was made in 1951, the person to achieve this distinction being Alderman Frederick George Allton.

The Freeman of the Borough is awarded to an individual who has given Tamworth an exceptional service over a significant period of time in a voluntary, professional or philanthropic capacity. Marc has received the award for the following reasons.

  • Services to Sport and the Local Community.
  • Services to disabled children within the community
  • Inclusivity of all children regardless of background
  • Helping members in the community after heart surgery rehabilitate.

Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Michael Oates, said: “I was honoured to present the award to Marc at the Town Hall last week.

“Marc has taken his success and given back to the people of Tamworth through supporting charity work and setting up a centre of development for local young footballers.

“The vote was unanimous at full council last December and we were delighted to bestow the honour of the title Freeman of the Borough to Marc.”