Aimee Pollock has been named Young Coach of the Year, recognising the significant impact she has had as a football coach.
The sportscotland COV Awards celebrate all those who break down barriers, inspire and enhance the lives of others through sport, and recognise the commitment of those who apply their own time and effort to make sport accessible to all.
Aimee Pollock 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 driven coach dedicates over 30 hours a week to coaching young people in local schools, Whitletts Victoria Football Club and the wider community, and has dedicated many hours to training courses to further develop her own skills as a coach
A positive role model for many youngsters, Aimee was commended for the positive and thoughtful approach she takes to coaching and for the strong relationships she has built up in the area.
Aimee said: “As a sportscotland Young Ambassador I got involved with Active Schools and started promoting the benefits of sport, 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.
“Showing the people you coach that you care about them is so important. By doing that, they’re more likely to participate in your session and you’ll get more out of them. 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.”
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements and moments that are taking place every day and congratulate those who are making an incredible commitment to Scottish sport.
“Across Scotland, there are thousands of sporting enthusiasts who recognise the impact that sport and teamwork can have on our lives. The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and turned it into a life-changing force for good. Individuals like Aimee have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential and shown the far-reaching benefits of community spirit and participation.”
This year sees the awards return for the first time since 2019, with sportscotland receiving 320 nominations covering 30 different sports across 31 local authorities. People keen to recognise the invaluable contributions of selfless coaches, officials and volunteers working across a range of sports the length and breadth of the country submitted their nominations earlier in the year.
The COV winners were invited to attend a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers as a thank you for their continued work and dedication.
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