Ayr sports coaches honoured for their amazing volunteer work
TWO sports coaches from Ayr were recognised and honoured at a recent awards ceremony.
They were rewarded at the 2022 sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards on October 4, where Ayr resident Aimee Pollock was named Young Coach of the Year, recognising the significant impact she has had as a football coach.
John Daily picked up the Active Schools Volunteer Deliverer of the Year award for his dedication to using sport and physical activity to develop young people at Ayr’s Forehill Primary School.
Aimee has already enjoyed a vibrant sporting career – graduating from the South Ayrshire Coaching Academy, she went onto complete a Modern Apprenticeship with the region’s Active Schools team, and is now working towards her HND in Sports Coaching at Ayrshire College.
At just 21 years old, the COACH dedicates over 30 hours a week to coaching young people in local schools, Whitletts Victoria Football Club and the community.
Aimee was commended for the positive and thoughtful approach she takes to coaching and for the strong relationships she has built up.
She said: “As a sportscotland Young Ambassador I got involved with Active Schools, which then progressed into coaching. I always loved playing sports and once I started coaching things just clicked – watching the kids progress every week and each of their characters is so rewarding.
“It’s about showing youngsters a positive role model and giving them somewhere they feel safe to come and participate in sports and feel they aren’t going to be judged.”
Active Schools Volunteer Deliverer of the Year John has been a volunteer at Forehill Primary School for more than 10 years, playing a significant role in promoting sport and physical activity among pupils and parents.
Over the last year alone he has positively impacted over 100 pupils and their families, encouraging young people to ‘I get to take part in sports and see the children happy – what more could you want?’ participate and succeed in sport regardless of ability.
John said: “What I enjoy most is seeing the children participate, not just in competitive sports – but seeing children with less confidence come out of their shells.
“I would encourage other people to volunteer. I get to take part in sports and see the children happy – what more could you want?”