Annan coach scoops double award win

Annan Rugby Club’s Gary Coupland has been named children’s coach of the year at the UK Coaching Awards for his efforts to develop youth participation. The club’s vice president followed up his sportscotland young person’s coach of the year award with recognition of his efforts from the UK awards.Gary was awarded for his services as a coach at Annan, where he was influential in a 600 per cent increase in youth participation at every age group across the area.Gary said: “I wasn’t expecting to come away with both awards and it’s great to be recognised both in Scotland and across the UK.”I was shocked to have won the sportscotland award and even more shocked to hear that I was put forward for the UK award.Gary’s work with local primary schools has seen the mini section at Annan treble in size over the last two years with over 70 boys and girls now participating in weekly training sessions at the club.Annan’s annual primary schools touch tournament in partnership with Active Schools was set up by Gary and has lead to the involvement of over 150 children.I have done a lot of work with primary schools in order to encourage participation from an early age and my club have helped me to do this.”They have been a great help and have given me support over the years, there are so many coaches at the club who have contributed to me receiving these awards.”Gary also acknowledged Scottish Rugby’s coaching development service as a key contributor to his success as a children’s coach.”The coaching resources and workshops, which Scottish Rugby provide, have helped me to deliver a high-level of coaching across Annan. They have encouraged me to continue to develop coaching ideas for children.”