A selfless emerging athletics official, who generously volunteers her time at Pitreavie Amateur Athletics Club (AAC), has been named the 2022 Young Official of the Year at the 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.
At only 21 years old, Sophie Allan – who is based in Clackmannanshire and volunteers in Dunfermline – is already making a huge difference in the world of athletics with her wide breadth of officiating knowledge and infectious enthusiasm.
In the last decade, Sophie has attended over 50 athletic events, clocking up more than 450 hours of volunteer time at Pitreavie AAC. Now the highest qualified female Athletics Starter in Scotland, Sophie’s dedication has seen her soar to the top of her game.
Well-known for her friendly and approachable manner, Sophie has built a for her determination to develop, not just her own skills, but the experience of the competitors and athletes around her.
By inspiring young athletes to reach their potential and encouraging other officials to get involved in the sport, Sophie is helping to solidify the future of athletics in Scotland.
This coveted award recognises Sophie dedication and contribution to the sport, with nominees commenting on her positive presence that lifts the coaches, officials and athletes around her.
Sophie Allan said: “For me, the best part of the officiating role is the under 11s and 13s events, when it’s their first time on the track and you know that you are planting the seed of athletics in their life – that’s what drives me to still be here.
"I think young people are the future of this sport and if we’ve got lots of athletes going through the programme, then we need people to officiate."
“I really enjoy officiating, and the best way to reach your potential is to start young. I like to make athletes and officials feel included at events by trying to be as non-judgemental as possible and treating everyone the same. It’s such an honour for my officiating to be recognised in this way and I would like to thank all of the officials, coaches and athletes I work with.
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 Sophie have dedicated their time to helping others realise their sporting potential and shown the far-reaching benefits of 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.
