Sports coach of the Year, sponsored by Crosfields School, winner: James McBride
This years Coach of the Year award was won by Wokingham Leisure Centre’s James McBride for his outstanding work where he runs CLASP sports sessions once a week.
Award sponsor Crosfields School said: “As a leading independent school in Reading, Crosfields is deeply committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of young people. Supporting this award is a natural extension of the school’s values and its belief in the transformative power of sport.”
James’ nominator said: “James is positive, friendly always with a smile and knowing peoples names, encouraging individuals to engage and get the best out of them, inclusive regardless of their capability and understands and appreciates people’s abilities, which he takes into consideration without being patronizing.”
Speaking after winning the award, James said: “It’s so unexpected, but it’s such a nice feeling. I got an email through Michelle at CLASP who said they had nominated me for the award. It was so humbling to hear that.
“It’s so important for the community to have these awards and recognise the heroes that often go unrecognised.
“I have an hour with CLASP every Wednesday. We do an 8 week rota of completely different sports each week. We have some people who could barely hit a shuttlecock at the start and now they’re able to hold rallies with each other. It’s so rewarding to see that progression and how much they enjoy it.
“And at the start they are often so quiet and by a few weeks in they’re keen to participate and you see how much enjoyment they get from it and the improvement in their coordination and social skills. IOt’s such a positive environment There’s absolutely nothing competitive about it, it’s just all about the enjoyment.”
