An Ulster University-based athletics coach has been named Young Coach of the Year at the 2019 Sport Northern Ireland SportMaker Awards.
Emma McCay was recognised for her achievements in understanding the complex needs of youth athletes and her ability to create fun, challenging and engaging sessions which are rewarding for those she coaches. In addition, Emma has spearheading numerous projects in the field of sport and coaching, including performing the role of research assistant for Women in Sport and Physical activity.
Since completing her Master’s degree at Ulster University and alongside work commitments, Emma has demonstrated a consistent commitment to educating young children on physical literacy skills in athletics whilst adapting these skills to educate and benefit other sports such as cricket.
In recognition of her impact and development as a coach, Emma was involved in showcasing her work regarding the Athlete Engagement Programme as part of a European delegation to colleagues and coaches from Africa. This collaboration work was extremely successful, leaving a lasting legacy and impacting on communities locally and internationally through networking, sharing knowledge, mentoring and tutoring.
Sport NI’s SportMaker Awards recognise the contribution of the local sporting workforce – the coaches, officials, volunteers and projects making a difference. The Young Coach of the Year award recognises up and coming coaches who have demonstrated creativity and determination in their development as a coach, and who have shown dedication in helping others achieve their sporting goals.
Congratulating Emma McCay, Sport NI Chief Executive Antoinette McKeown said:
“Sport NI is delighted to be presenting this award to Emma and to celebrate her contribution to local athletics. Youth coaching is at the heart of making sport happen, providing opportunities for young people to compete and enjoy sport. Emma has displayed a tremendous commitment to both educate and develop physical literacy skills in young people involved in sport and transfer these skills to benefit other sports along the way.
On behalf of Sport Northern Ireland, I would like to congratulate Emma on her richly deserved award.”
Reacting to her win, Emma McCay said:
“I honestly can’t believe that I’ve been chosen as the Young Coach of the Year for 2019. Sport has made such a difference in my life and I’m really passionate about passing that on to the next generation and to people who may not have had the chance to participate before. It feels phenomenal to be recognised in this way and makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Dean Adams, who nominated Emma for her award, is the Athletics Development Officer at Ulster University, in partnership with Athletics NI. He added:
“Emma is a passionate young coach who has worked incredibly well with children and young athletes for the last 3 years, continuously improving her knowledge and coaching ability throughout this time. Her enthusiasm when she is coaching is infectious and is one of the main reasons athletes return to her sessions week after week.”