Arthur is a local hero

Kilbarchan legend is honoured

imparting a lifetime’s worth of wisdom as lead coach of the club’s girls endurance group. “Huge congratulations.” The knowledgeable coach is no stranger to success after he won both the Community Coach of the Year and Dedication to Sport awards last year.

Habbies athlete Ho l l y Thompson, who put him forward for the gong, said there is no one more deserving of the recognition.

She explained: “Arthur is my running coach and honorary vice president of Kilbarchan AAC.

“He is the lead coach for the girls endurance group, of which I am a member of, coaching girls from around 10 to 11-years-old.

“He even caters for some adult women too.

“Arthur has been training this group specifically since 2001 but has been involved with the club for many, many years before this – so many girls, past and present, have benefitted from his experience, knowledge and dedication through his years of service to the club.

“He manages to remember and take into consideration the needs of each individual and has time for every single one of us, regardless of ability.

“We all think the absolute world of him.”

Kilbarchan AAC runner Jemma Reekie, who is one of the UK’s most promising young stars and made her breakthrough last year with 1,500m gold at the European Athletics Under- 20 Championships in Italy, was delighted for Arthur.

She said: “He coached me from the age of nine up to 17. So deserved. Thanks Arthur.”