15th Dec 2009: Local coaches scoop UK coaching award.
STEPHEN McCartney, Community Sports Development Officer at Coleraine Borough Council, and John Fall, Community Sports Development Officer at Ballymoney Borough Council have scooped the award for UK Children’s Coach of the Year. The pair who received the joint award last week in an award ceremony in London are said to be overwhelmed by the experience.
Both Stephen and John have been actively coaching in the Causeway area over twenty years in various sports. The award recognises their coaching of children over these years and is a culmination of their effort, commitment and dedication. Many young people who have been coached my Stephen and John has progressed onto the fabric of adult sporting life in their communities in Ballymoney and Coleriane.
Stephen McCartney, said; "it is a great honour to bring a UK award to the Coleraine and Ballymoney area. This is great recognition for everyone involved in Children’s coaching throughout Northern Ireland. The main reason we achieved this award was for coaching and developing the Wildcats Activ8 programme, and the award also demonstrates the high regard that this initiative is now held.
"The whole event was a fantastic experience from start to finish and it gave us the opportunity to meet other coaches who hold similar roles in the sporting community at this Gala ceremony at Old Billingsgate in London.
"We were up against two highly respected coaches in the area of coaching children, Nick Draine for his work with Ipswich Basketball Academy, and Lesley Reid, Head Junior Coach at Melbourn Judo Club. It was a great thrill to hear to our names called out as winners for the category and we accepted our award from former West Ham United and England Footballer, Trevor Brooking.
"We both feel very humbled by the reception we have encountered by the local community on winning this UK award, and would like to thank everyone for their kind words."
The Wildcats Activ8 programme has now ended for 2009 and will resume in February 2010. The twenty week course enables children to develop their multi-skills in agility, balance and coordination which can be transferred into any sports environment. If you would like further information on attending the course please contact Roger Downey, telephone 7034 7234.