The Dumfries and Galloway Coaching Awards in partnership with Sportscotland provide the opportunity to thank coaches for their dedication to their chosen sport and recognise their achievements. The aim of the awards is to celebrate and raise the profile of the fantastic work being done within Dumfries and Galloway and recognise the contribution and value of these coaches and volunteers.
The sporting community across Dumfries and Galloway including Sport Council’s and Clubs were asked to promote the awards. Subsequently, the awards attracted a good number and standard of nominations from across Dumfries and Galloway and provided the panel of judges with some real debate when selecting winners.
This year there were 10 Coaching Award winners in the following categories: Young Person’s Coaching of the Year; Community Coach of the Year; Development Coach of the Year; Performance Coach of the Year; Young Coach of the Year; Disability Coach of the Year, Event Volunteer, Technical Official of the Year, Young Volunteer of the Year (Under 25 years) and Volunteer of the Year (over 25 years). All category winners detailed below.
All regional award winners have been automatically entered into the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards 2015 with a further chance for entry into the UK coaching awards later in the year.
Councillor Tom McAughtrie, Chair of Community and Customer Services said of the awards “These awards show what committed coaches and volunteers we are fortunate to have within Dumfries and Galloway and these awards help to raise their profile showing how valuable they are to clubs, schools and the sporting community in our region”
SARAH PARKER
YOUNG PERSON’S COACH OF THE YEAR
For the past 10 years Sarah has been the driving force for Gymnastics in Annandale and Eskdale where she undertakes the role of Gymnastics and Trampoline Development Coach. From minimal provision she has worked hard to develop a weekly programme consisting of gymnastics, pre-school and trampoline classes with over 350 weekly participants.
Sarah together with the Nithsdale Gymnastics Coach – Lorna Lumb organise a Primary and Secondary Regional Gymnastics Competition seeing a large number of teams coming forward to compete. Sarah also organises an annual Annandale & Eskdale Gymnastics competition and over the years this competition has grown and is now seeing over 130 Gymnasts compete at various different levels.
Many children from the region have gone on to compete for their school or club at National Competitions returning year on year with medals as individual champions and team champions, where many were introduced to the sport and coached in programmes developed by Sarah. Much of this success is down to the commitment, enthusiasm and hard work which Sarah has put in over the years and always seeing the bigger picture Sarah recently saw a need to provide a competitive offering to recreational gymnasts in the region therefore was instrumental in creating the new Solway Gymnastics Club with pathways to national competitions.
As the programme has developed Sarah has recognised the need to develop local talented teachers and coaches to sustain the gymnastics programme in Dumfries & Galloway and acts as a mentor and guide to young aspiring coaches coming through.
Although a profession Sarah gives up much of her own time which highlights her passion and devotion to local gymnastics and, although in post for ten years she has always flown under the radar when it comes to receiving recognition for her continuous hard work not that she does it for that reason – Sarah’s reward is seeing the enjoyment in a young gymnasts face when they are progressing. Sarah’s rapport with the young people who have come through the gym doors over the years is the reason why Gymnastics has grown immensely in Annandale & Eskdale. As her nominator said “This person has been a huge driving force for gymnastics in Annandale and Eskdale and indeed across Dumfries and Galloway and this is her time to shine and receive the recognition she thoroughly deserves”
GARY COUPLAND
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (OVER 25 YEARS)
Gary has been instrumental in the development of Rugby in the Annan area and it is impossible to quantify the enormous impact Gary has made to Annan Rugby Club, not just in the last year, but for years to come. Gary has been the guiding force for rugby in the Annandale area, giving his time freely and in particular showing great enthusiasm and commitment to the children and young people at Annan Rugby Club.
Gary has been integral to the growth of the game at youth level including as a coach for the mini and midi rugby sections, delivering sessions of rugby in primary schools, organising a tag rugby festival in partnership with Active Schools & Community Sport, delivering holiday rugby camps, organising trips to Glasgow Warriors and supporting a number of rugby events at an area level.
Gary has also supported and developed extracurricular rugby at Annan and Lockerbie Academy and been involved in a number of secondary school regional rugby festivals and competitions.
Gary’s efforts in developing grass roots rugby are now beginning to bear fruit with players from youth level gradually being introduced to senior teams and the growth in youth rugby in the last three years quantified as a 600% increase.
Gary has also played a fundamental role in the re-establishment of women’s and girls’ rugby at the club, from organising an initial taster session and now under the guidance of Ian Hamilton (Community Coach of the Year) running a women’s team in the Women’s National League 2 and teams at under 15 and under 18 who both won regional schools competitions last year.
As coach to Mini, Midi and Youth teams last year and assisting with senior teams and witnessing the growth in rugby, he also identified a number of opportunities to build capacity to support the growth of rugby.
Not only does Gary organise coach education courses, he has delivered CPD opportunities for young people and teachers to support rugby delivery. In addition, he is constantly looking for ways to develop his own knowledge to ensure the best possible outcome for Rugby at a local level at has attended many professional development workshops.
His achievements as a coach only form part of his contribution to the club where he holds a variety of equally demanding roles including Vice President, fixtures secretary, referee secretary and sitting on a number of local rugby development groups, putting him at the heart of all the club’s activities.
He is an amazing volunteer giving over twenty five hours per week to support the development of the game and never expects reward. He does this selflessly, purely for the benefit of the children and young people and the future development of the club and the sport.
Gary’s inclusive approach promotes the concept of a rugby family and with over 30 year’s involvement, this person is a true inspiration to everyone both in and out with Annan Rugby Club.
IAN HAMILTON
COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR
Women’s and girls’ rugby was revived at Annan Rugby Football Club in June 2014. From an initial taster session there has been rapid growth and development in the female game with one person in particular driving forward the agenda for female rugby in Annan.
Due to the enthusiasm of the ladies and girls at the club and with and with Ian at the helm it has not only ensured equipment, transportation, sponsorship, playing strips for all teams and fixtures arranged, but with his coaching experience he has taught most of the teams the rules and skills of rugby from scratch.
Such has been the rapid development of the female game the club now have girls and women’s team that train weekly and have entered a women’s team in to the SRU Women’s National League 2 this season.
Not only does Ian coach the girls and women’s teams but he has been assistant coach to the mini’s section and this commitment and enthusiasm to coaching the game has seen the drive to provide female rugby at all ages from primary one upwards.
During this time Ian also became a member of the coaching team for the West of Scotland Select and through his coaching support; two Annan players were selected for the squad, an inspiration for young girls and others to take up the sport.
Ian is already building for the future of the female game in Annan and in doing so has encouraged and supported a number of girls to undertake their UKCC Level 1 Rugby Coaching Award.
Ian has been an advocate for women’s rugby and has raised the profile of the game in Annan and beyond and has put women’s rugby firmly on the map. As the nominee said, this person isn’t just a coach, he doesn’t just follow an agenda laid out for him, he sets it.
MARION MURDOCH
DEVELOPMENT COACH OF THE YEAR WINNER
Marion is a great ambassador for curling and has been part of Lockerbie Ice Rink since 1972. She was encouraged by her husband Matt to try the sport of curling and has since never looked back.
Lockerbie Ice Rink through Marion who gives up her time unconditionally for the love of the sport, offers coaching for all ages and abilities. She has served on committees as treasurer and president including as the RCCC Ladies Branch President.
Marion instigated curling’s cool at Lockerbie which has inspired 1000’s of children to curl and such has been the success of the programme, 24 of the 27 schools are involved in this year’s programme.
Her drive and determination to get young people curling from the Annandale & Eskdale area over the years has reared many national and international curlers. These include Anna Sloan and Clare Hamilton who have gone on to be champions in Scotland, Europe and at World level including Olympic Bronze Medals and also includes her own son, Olympic Silver Medallist in 2014, David Murdoch.
Marion continues to support the development of curlers from the region and has worked closely over the past season with local curlers Hannah Fleming (West Institute of Sport Athlete) and Anna Sloan (Central Institute of Sport Athlete) whilst also working closely with a number of young teams looking to rise through the curling ranks.
Marion was also a driving force behind the Matt Murdoch Curling Foundation which was set-up with significant help from the rotary. The foundation in memory of her late husband was established to support the development of young Scottish and in particular, local curlers.
Marion, who is a great ambassador for curling, is very passionate about the sport and spends a large part of her life on the ice coaching children and the success of some of the young children she has coached through the years speaks volumes of her commitment to developing the sport.
RUSSELL WATSON
PERFORMANCE COACH OF THE YEAR
Russell has shown great determination and commitment in his coaching that has made a huge impact to wheelchair racing at a national level. As the only wheelchair racing coach in Dumfries & Galloway he has coached athletes to the very top of their sport which is surely down to the dedication and passion he has to help others achieve in the sport.
Such has been the success in his short time as wheelchair racing coach he now supports lead coach for wheelchair racing in Scotland, Ian Murfin and travels the country giving up his free time voluntarily to support athletes.
Russell is relatively new to coaching after sitting his coaching qualification earlier this year but in this short time as a coach has seen a male athlete in class T54 become the fastest in Scotland and coached his own daughter to world number one.
His achievement as a coach has raised the profile of wheelchair racing not just in Dumfries & Galloway but in Scotland. At the recent Cerebral Palsy World Games he coached one of his athletes, his own daughter to 5 Gold Medals, 2 World Records and a European Record, and unbelievable achievement at any level which helped Scotland to second in the overall medal table.
His passion, desire, drive but most of all, his unquestionable support for his daughter has been behind the rapid rise in success of Shelby Watson at both national and international level. After only two years coaching Shelby, she has risen to number one in the world at class T33 taking Scottish and UK titles along the way.
Russell’s coaching and devotion has opened doors to the world for his own daughter and others, giving them the chance to be the best they can be and in his daughters own words …..”helping us live the dream”
DAYNE MASSEY
YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR WINNER
Dayne started volunteering as a sports coach with Active Schools & Community Sport in 2014 after spending two years as a Sports Leader at Langholm Academy. Since that time his coaching has been very important to the sustainability of a number of activities and programmes in the Langholm and Eskdale area where Dayne is equally comfortable leading sessions for children at grass roots level or coaching children in secondary school.
A comprehensive programme of extra-curricular sport in the Eskdale area has only been introduced through the enthusiasm and drive by this young coach. Dayne has also supported schools with curricular activities and events and is now a coach on the council’s priority sports programmes, most notably football.
Such has been the impact of his coaching children have been offered the chance to take part in new sports and compete at Annandale & Eskdale area events with some progressing to regional competition after success at a local level. A fantastic achievement for both Dayne and the young people.
Quite simply, Dayne has made a huge impact with hundreds of children taking part in sport who may otherwise not have been. He has created himself a profile as an enthusiastic, reliable and hardworking coach who is respected by the many children and parents who attend sessions he coaches. As his proposer said “He is an asset to Langholm and Canonbie Primary Schools, the area of Annandale & Eskdale and Dumfries & Galloway and should be recognised for his contribution to the development of young children in the area.”
KIRSTY ASH
EVENT VOLUNTEER
Since moving back to Langholm approximately four years ago Kirsty has made it her mission to get more women interested in running. After self-funding Jog Scotland training, she organised and now leads runs for numerous ladies at multiple times during the week seeing improvements in jogger’s health and well-being.
During this time numbers in the jogging group were increasing so she had the foresight to constitute The Muckletoon Joggers group and has since created an identity for the club. Members now race all over Cumbria and Scotland, and have in the last year taken part in marathons in Edinburgh, London and Barcelona.
After an absence of just over two years and through public demand the Muckletoon Doctors Run and Juniors Doctors Run was brought back to Langholm in 2015. Kirsty was keen for her group to organise their own event after attending running events all over the country hosted by other running clubs and approached Dumfries and Galloway for support in bringing the event back.
Kirsty has since worked tirelessly to make sure the event successfully returned to Langholm including organising, promoting, logistics, communications, media, finance, recruiting volunteers, risk assessments, baking cakes and on the day, event management.
Kirsty commits herself 100% to the Muckle Toon Joggers and organising their own event was her next step as the leader of the group. She is dedicated and committed and an inspiration to many people.
To the outsider, event organisation can look relatively easy but people don’t realise the work, effort and logistics that goes into the simplest of events. As the nominator said “It is not just sounding the starter horn and dishing out the medals”.
MEGHAN BRANNEY
YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (UNDER 25 YEARS)
Meghan Branney is a bright young coaching talent who consistently provides enthusiastic and enjoyable sessions for young swimmers across Annan and Dumfries. Meghan, whilst completing her sixth year at school, gives up 4 week nights and a Saturday early morning with no hesitation every week. Meghan assists with the coaching of younger swimmers from 4 different primary schools around Annan and has now been asked to help coach a small group of swimmers from Lochmaben Primary School. Meghan is now beginning her second season coaching at DASC and will always look for further ways to develop her coaching through experience and education.
Meghan coaches the younger swimmers at Dumfries Dolphins allowing all swimmers to thrive. Whether a swimmer is struggling with a new skill or are about to compete in their first final she will support the swimmer and create an environment which the swimmer can excel in. Meghan’s help and support guided the young Clyde Coast team to a second place in the B final. Without Meghan’s enthusiasm and determination to support the swimmers this may not have been possible.
Meghan is also a great role model not only across the club but to the swimmers she teaches through the Primary Schools swimming. Meghan has shown ability to switch from an environment where she coaches competitive and national standard swimmers to swimmers who are only at the grass roots of learning to swim, this shows a great deal of professionalism and commitment.
Meghan has provides quality coaching when leading training sessions and ensures that all sessions are fun however she will also meet the aim of each session so that the swimmers are learning and improving constantly.
Meghan has a brilliant rapport with the swimmers and given the chance, many swimmers would pick Meghan to be their coach for years to come!
BRIAN MCMEEKEN
TECHNICAL OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Brian is currently the lead game official and scorekeeper for all Solway sharks Ice Hockey Team home games. Brian also volunteers to do this role for the other ice hockey teams that operate out of Dumfries Ice Bowl including the Solway Sharks Ladies Team, Solway Sharks SNL team and Dumfries Demons amongst others.
Brian has been involved with the sport for over 16 years and has taken up various roles throughout this time as his sons developed and played the game. He has been Team Manager for various age groups across that time, served on junior and senior club committees and has undertaken various off-ice roles including goal judge, penalty box attendant, timekeeper etc. His role now as official scorekeeper means he is an invaluable part of game nights and ensures each game runs to procedure and is reported accurately. He is now one of the most experienced game officials in the country and has received praise from the international governing body (IHF), National Governing Body (IHUK), visiting teams and countries of both professional and amateur status.
Brian’s most notable achievement would be serving as official scorekeeper for four IIHF World Championship events held in Dumfries. Each of those events were specifically praised for the way they were run and managed and the standard of volunteering at each event. This resulted in Brian being involved in European level Champions Hockey League games (CHL) at Nottingham last year where he was official scorekeeper and also trained others to continue the role in future years.
It should be noted that Brian has never played Ice Hockey and had no prior experience of the sport until his son’s took up the sport. He has since dedicated himself to ensuring that essential roles were filled so that children could play the game. Without Brian, many games across the years would not have taken place as he often used to fill more than one job at a time. Now that his sons have moved into different roles, he has continued to serve the sport to ensure these essential roles are filled.
As the nominator said “Brian deserves this recognition for a number of reasons but none greater that the fact he is a good guy with a passion for contributing what he can to the sport”.