Primary school volunteer John up for coach of the year prize
AN Ayr community coach has been shortlisted for a major national award.
John Dailly, who has been a volunteer for more than 10 years at the town’s Forehill Primary School, has been shortlisted for the Community Coach of the Year 2022 (Children & Young People) award at the 25th annual UK Coaching Awards.
According to the awards, in the last year alone, working alongside a team of volunteer coaches who deliver extracurricular sport and physical activities, John has positively impacted the lives of over 100 pupils and their families, many of whom would never have regarded sport as a viable option.
On his nomination, Mr Dailly said: “I’m extremely proud to be nominated for the award.
“I didn’t get into coaching to win awards or to be nominated, I got into coaching to give children, young people and their families accessible inclusive sports for everyone.
“What motivates me to coach is just giving a little bit back. I remember great coaches that taught me when I was younger. The laughs and memories it created for me.
“The joy of being part of a team, the excitement I got on matchday, and making friends.
“Sport and activity are important for every local area, and without volunteer coaches these clubs wouldn’t be able to run.
“It’s really important to inspire the next generation of children and hopefully they become junior coaches and coaches of the future.”
UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon congratulated John on his nomination, and reflected on the huge variety of coaching talent announced: “We are delighted to announce our finalists for the 25th UK Coaching Awards.
“From over 350 nominations – a staggering amount – this year the bar has been raised once again, and whilst we are fully aware of the power of coaching, our brilliant coaching workforce continues to surprise us and change lives and communities.
“It is so important that we acknowledge and thank our coaches as they work tirelessly to support more people into physical activity and sport across all levels - to help build communities, tackle inequalities and inspire people to be the best they can be, whatever their aspirations.”
The awards are a showpiece event, seen as one of the most prestigious within the coaching community.
They were created 25 years ago to recognise the remarkable contributions coaches make – from delivering high quality and technical coaching, to supporting participants both physically and mentally.
The awards will be held on December 6 at the Queens Hotel in Leeds.