One of Scotland’s leading coach developers has had her contribution to sport recognised with the Coach Developer of the Year Award from sportscotland.
Adrienne Hunter, a 38-year-old Glasgow resident originally from Ayrshire, has been awarded the accolade for her commitment and passion for coaching across a variety of sports and local authorities.
From athletics and bowls to gymnastics and judo, coach developer Adrienne has travelled across Scotland to deliver workshops in 26 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, engaging a variety of organisations including clubs, schools and charities.
Over the past year, Adrienne has worked with over 1,000 people, supporting the development of coaches, tutors, mentors and volunteers.
Commenting on her success, Adrienne said: “When I first graduated, I got a job as a sports development officer which led to a variety of different jobs. I found that I was really passionate about coaching people, and after about eight years of working with local authorities, I decided I wanted to set up my own business and do what I love full-time.
“I work with a lot of coaches that are beginning their pathway, so it’s great to be part of their journey and helping to build their confidence.
"I really do love my job; it’s the people that make it. Not only am I inspired by their motivation, but they make me want to be the best I can be.”
Adrienne develops, facilitates, pilots and updates qualifications in partnership with Scottish Governing Bodies, UK Coaching and sportscotland. She also mentors basketballscotland’s tutor workforce, contributing to the strategic development of the network, and co-designed Bowls Scotland’s Level 1 coaching course.
She also developed a suite of bespoke mentoring workshops which are available throughout Scotland and delivers webinars to ensure everyone across the country can access her plans.
Praise for Adrienne
Adrienne was nominated for the award by her colleague Victoria Clark, who said: “Adrienne continuously inspires and empowers everyone she meets. She is extremely authentic, lives her values every day and is so positive and respectful in everything that she does.
"Everyone she trains, across a multitude of sports and organisations throughout Scotland, are in turn empowered to offer opportunities for their members and programmes to encourage them to reach their potential.”
Adrienne picked up her award on an evening where inspirational coaches, officials and volunteers from across Scotland were celebrated across 13 categories for their significant contribution to sport over the past 12 months.
The prestigious sportscotland Coaching Officiating and Volunteer Awards 2017 were held on 8 November at Stirling Court Hotel where leading athletes congratulated the winners and thanked them for their work in supporting and developing sport in Scotland.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “Every year across Scotland, thousands of dedicated sporting enthusiasts devote their time, knowledge and skills to help others achieve their sporting goals. Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards provide us with a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements that are taking place every day and congratulate individuals on their commitment to Scottish sport.
“Operating at both a local and national level, it’s evident that Adrienne passionately believes in sport.
"Not only does she empower coaches and volunteers to develop critical thinking and self-reflective skills, but she helps them commit to lifelong learning.
"Her desire to help people learn, married with her flexible approaches, ensure that people are truly inspired.
"At sportscotland we are implementing a world-class sporting system at every level in Scotland and we can only do so with the support of the many dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers. I hope that many more people are inspired by our winners and recognise the opportunities that exist to get involved in sport at every level from volunteering at your local club or school to coaching or officiating on the world stage.”
At the event, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Bryan Burnett, coaches, officials and volunteers involved in swimming, athletics, lawn bowls, tennis, football, rowing, shinty and curling were recognised for the many hours they dedicate to helping others compete at the best level they can.
Find out more
Be inspired by the stories of all the 2017 winners.
Visit the sportscotland website for information about the COV Awards.
