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Coach of the Year:
Huw praises others as he scoops the coaches’ award
Huw Morgan – Pembrokeshire Harriers Coach
Winner, Coach of the Year Category
Ask anyone at the Pembrokeshire Harriers Athletic Club about Huw Morgan and it is quickly evident that he is held in high esteem, not only for his own athletic prowess, despite being old enough to own a pension book, but he is also a gifted coach who has the ability to talk to youngsters in a way that they understand and respond to.
When they learned that Huw had been nominated for the ‘Coach of the Year’ category at the Pembrokeshire Sporting Awards they were delighted – and even more thrilled when it was learned that Huw had won the category
Heavy involvement
Huw Morgan has been involved with athletics in the county for many years, competing in tough events like the 400 metres and 400 metres hurdles, coaching the javelin with some distinction and officiating at club meets as well as at the county sports.
He was coaching javelin with Cleddau Athletics, and now since the amalgamation with Preseli Harriers in 2000, for Pembrokeshire Harriers. Huw was one of the prime movers in the amalgamation because he saw the prospect of a team representing the county and taking in youngsters from all over Pembrokeshire.
Some success
His athletes and some of his family have gone on to win Championship & Welsh International vests. Zoe Priestly won her 4th vest in the UK School Games, held at Cardiff and Huw has another great prospect with Sam Withers ‘high’ in the Welsh age group rankings. He can even boast coaching a recent World Champion, only that Tal Selley swapped his javelin for a rugby ball and went onto captain Wales Sevens in the recent IRB World Cup.
Modesty indeed
Huw was quick to say that he was accepting the award on behalf of a number of stalwarts at the club but there is no doubt that this was typical modesty on his part because he is a great clubman. He and his wife Dorothy still turn out every year to officiate in the county schools sports and Welsh league fixtures – and long may he continue to do so!
Amy Yelland - Gymnastics’ Coach
Finalist – Coach of the Year Award
Amy Yelland has coached special needs gymnastics for approx seven years and although is now studying at university in Cardiff still gives her time whenever she can to the Pembrokeshire Special Needs Gymnastics Club.
She travels to squad sessions monthly and accompanies them to competitions, including Nationals in Cardiff and Rotary special needs competitions – all of which take place yearly. She has attended two Special Olympics with the Welsh Squad, four years ago in Glasgow and more recently in Leicester, in July of this year. This involved being in charge of a group of children for the duration of the week long competition as well as encouraging and supporting them whilst competing, and a brilliant job she did of it, too!.
She has achieved her level two coaching badge as well as being a trampoline judge, and all of this at the tender age of 21. Her commitment to gymnastics shines through and she often travels home to Haverfordwest, especially to coach. All of this she does completely voluntarily, and always with a smile on her face!
Robin Withers, Steve Matchett and Jim Buck – Triathletes Coaches
Finalists – Coach of the Year Award
Robin, Steve and Jim are behind one of the most successful junior Triathlon Clubs in the country as they look after the rapidly emerging talent in Pembrokeshire ‘Tristars’. They attend training every week, full of enthusiasm, which the children all pick up on.
Their training is tough, but varied, full of technical expertise and always fun! The kids love their attitude – firm but full of praise when praise is due. They manage to cater for all ages and abilities.
As a result of their dedication this year, of the 12 juniors who represented Wales in September at the Inter Regional Competition, seven of them came from Pembrokeshire ‘Tristars’. What more evidence of successful coach do you need!
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