Hockey coach Janet Jack has been recognised for her invaluable contribution to developing sporting talent in the Borders after being awarded Performance Pathway Coach of the Year at the 2022 sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards.
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. A former Scotland and Great Britain international player, Janet is the head coach for the Fjordhus Reivers Hockey Club, the largest hockey club in the Scottish Borders, and regularly coaches regional squads at all age levels.
Originally from Galashiels, Janet works tirelessly on the performance pathway within her club and across the Scottish Borders, looking to inspire and develop aspiring and emerging young players. The dedicated coach also runs a future squad for under-14s – another additional weekly session that helps enthusiastic and ambitious hockey players develop their skills and offers one-to-one sessions for players who are in the regional academies.
Having been a positive role model to players, fellow coaches and volunteers within the region and further afield over the years, Janet is now passing on her coaching expertise to the next generation, engaging younger coaches to follow in her footsteps.
Janet Jack said: “We created a performance pathway at Fjordhus Reivers Hockey Club that ran alongside our youth teams and ladies teams so that we could offer younger players more dedicated coaching time.
“Children these days can have a difficult time with social media and other pressures, so it’s so very important to me that the playing field is a safe and inclusive place.
"Giving time to and valuing every child who’s here, listening to them, engaging them, and making sure they’re happy – that’s the most important part of what we do.”
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 life-changing ambition and a force for good.
"Individuals like Janet have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential and shown the far-reaching benefits of participation.”
This year 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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