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“Progress, not perfection” is the ethos which has seen Crumlin-based gymnastics coach Melissa Anderson recognised as one of the top coaches in the UK.

The co-founder of Valleys Gymnastics Academy was one of just 25 coaches to be crowned a winner at the UK Coaching Hero Awards.

Melissa ran a range of Zoom sessions whilst all gym facilities were closed due to the pandemic. And in a time where mental health mattered more than ever, she did everything she could to support her gymnasts, including group and individual sessions with a sports psychologist.

Championing her “progress, not perfection” and “it’s my journey” ethos, she has ensured gymnasts of all levels were recognised for improvements and hard work with certificates and prizes.

Melissa said: “I am exceptionally proud. I never coach for the accolades – I respect my role as a guardian for our sport and if I can have a positive impact on the children and young people I work with then that is reward enough.

“I would also hope that it would inspire other coaches to work hard, develop themselves and aim to be successful at the level they coach.

“As I have matured, I have learned that coaching can impart many benefits, beyond sport for sport’s sake, within the right environment. If I can inspire young people to reach higher and fulfil potential, in any aspect of their lives, or understand their role within the community, then I am satisfied that I am having a positive impact.

“The pandemic has meant that we have all had to be exceptionally flexible and find resilience we never knew we had. One of my gymnasts asked me if I ever felt stressed – I answered ‘yes, but my job is to help you guys feel comfortable and confident and support you as best I can.’ That is the role I recognised was needed through the pandemic.

“As a child I experienced many personal and family challenges, and this helped me to understand the role that coaches and others play in supporting others.

“My sport and my coaches were hugely important to me. Sporting provision and coaching needs to be person-centred, helping others to follow their own journey and helping them to develop personal skills and attributes. This is what drives me as a coach. At all levels, invested and committed coaches can have a huge impact on the lives of others.”

In 2019, VGA won the British Gymnastics National Club Award, as well as the British Gymnastics Award for Equality and Inclusion.