Two Caerphilly County Borough coaches have been given accolades at Sport Wales’ prestigious ‘Coach of the Year’ awards.
Neil Roberts, a Sport Caerphilly Young Leaders Co-ordinator was awarded Sport Educator of the Year while Melissa Anderson, Managing Director of Valleys Gymnastics Academy, won Volunteer Coach of the Year.
The annual awards ceremony recognises the dedication of coaches across Wales, who inspire people across the generations to get involved with sport.
In being nominated, Neil and Melissa saw themselves stand shoulder to shoulder with huge coaching stars such as Warren Gatland – Head Coach for Wales National Rugby Team, and Billy Pye – Paralympic Swim team Coach, who took the Sport Wales Coach of the Year Award.
Neil has worked throughout the last year to inspire a generation of pupils to actively take part in leadership to deliver sports and activities to a range of different age groups in a number of settings.
He said of his work: “It gets the young people in the system so you can develop the next generation of sports coaches and volunteers. You need to harness these skills or you are going to lose them.”
As Head Coach of Valleys Gymnastics Academy, Melissa Anderson has grown the club membership from less than 100 to approximately 650.
She oversees the day-to-day running of the club and manages a paid and volunteer staff of over 40 people, all on top of a full-time job.
Melissa said: “I became involved as a coach because I love the sport. I am inspired by giving youngsters the same benefits that I had from gymnastics.”
Cllr David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, congratulated the finalists and said: “Being nominated for Sport Wales Coach of the Year awards is a fantastic achievement and it is clear that their hard work within their sports and the impact they have had on so many children gave them the edge over the other amazing finalists who were shortlisted. “
Sport Caerphilly Officer, Dale Lewis, was also shortlisted as a finalist for his work coaching children with disabilities.