The coaches who helped Scotland and GB hockey hero Sarah Robertson reach the top of her sport have been recognised with the sportscotland Coaching Chain Award 2019.
Irene Logan, Janet Jack, Sam Judge, Jen Wilson, Sarah Kelleher, Kate Richardson Walsh and Danny Kerry picked up their award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards 2019 at Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday, 21 November. On the night inspirational coaches, officials and volunteers from all over Scotland were celebrated across 15 categories for their significant contribution to sport over the past 12 months.
Sarah started her hockey career at Selkirk High School and has gone on to play in two Commonwealth Games and earn 99 Scotland caps and 42 for GB.
Playing their part
Irene Logan was Sarah’s coach from her first year at Selkirk High where she picked up a hockey stick for the first time. Janet Jack was Sarah’s first coach outside of school hockey. A former GB player, Janet has been committed to developing hockey in the Borders for years. Sarah first joined Borders Fjordhus Hockey Club at the age of 15 and flourished under Janet’s guidance.
Sam Judge has been a great influence on Sarah’s career since taking up a coaching role at Edinburgh University. During Sarah’s university years the team progressed from the relegation play-offs, to a team that have now won the national title five years in a row.
Scotland head coach since 2018, Jen Wilson managed Sarah’s seamless transition back from the GB programme. Sarah Kelleher and Kate Richardson Walsh have been Sarah’s club coaches for the past two seasons at Hampstead and Westminster Hockey Club.
Danny Kerry was Sarah’s first GB coach, inviting Sarah to a GB trial after the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. He identified Sarah’s potential and gave her an opportunity in the GB team helping Sarah to develop as a player.
Recognition for coaches
At the ceremony, hosted by BBC Scotland’s Bryan Burnett, award winners from up and down the country and across the sporting system were honoured from sports such as swimming, cycling, athletics, football, karate, wheelchair curling, basketball, boxing and canoeing.
Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, said: “Every year across Scotland, thousands of dedicated sporting enthusiasts devote their time, knowledge and skills to afford others the chance to take part in sport, and experience all the benefits that come with sport participation.
“Our Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us a chance to celebrate the great sporting achievements that are taking place every day and congratulate those who are making an incredible commitment to Scottish sport.
“At sportscotland we are implementing a world-class sporting system at every level in and that is only possible with the support of the many dedicated coaches, officials and volunteers.”
Find out more
Visit the sportscotland website for information about coaching, officiating and volunteering.
