LiveArgyll Volunteer Sports Awards 2019
Each year LiveArgyll in partnership with sportscotland holds the volunteer sport awards in Argyll and Bute. Groups and clubs across the entire area of Argyll and Bute nominate their volunteer coaches who have made a substantial commitment and impact in their sports and for their community. An independent panel of sportscotland representatives, the LiveArgyll senior management team, the board and sportsmen and women from the area scored the nominations. There were seven categories that received nominations this year and more than 60 individual nominations. Primary Young Leader award for volunteer sport leaders under 12: Skye Evans from Cardross Primary School in Helensburgh for her commitment on her school’s sports council.
Young Coach award for volunteer coaches under 25: Heather Ferguson for founding the Bute Ladies’ Shinty Club.
Adult Youth Coach for volunteer coaches working with children: Laurenne Cameron for coaching shinty both in schools and clubs in Lochgilphead. In particular for the high quality coaching she delivers to the young squad of girls and women at Dunadd ladies’ shinty, coaching both the Kilmory and Dunadd junior shinty clubs and at the after-school shinty clubs. Without the time and dedication Laurenne has consistently shown for the sport, participation in shinty in the area would have continued to struggle to grow.
Sporting Achievement of 2019: Castlehill Football Team in Campbeltown not only won both the Baldy and Millennium Cup this year, but as a team demonstrated positive relationships, teamwork, and sportsmanship by always showing each other respect and empathy.
Service to sport: Barry Cox has been playing hockey in Helensburgh for nearly 30 years. Barry started Helensburgh’s junior hockey club nearly 20 years ago and at its height it had more than 100 children playing hockey each week as well as competing in competitions.
Club of the Year: Helensburgh Netball Club aspires to make netball attainable, enjoyable and affordable to women and girls in the area for those aged 14 and over and is run by volunteers.
Community Coach of the year: Walter Spiers from Oban Lorne Rugby Football Club. Walter took up the reins of the mini section at Oban Lorne starting out with a group of about 10 young players in the pouring rain. Walter’s dedication and organisational skills have built the mini section up to around 80 players catering for all primary ages, abilities and experience. The Mini Rugby section at Oban Lorne is viewed by Scottish Rugby as a model of best practice providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment for them all.
On behalf of LiveArgyll and sportscotland, a huge congratulations to the winners and a thank you to all the volunteer coaches and sports leaders for all they have done for sport in their communities.